The Christmas Spider
BY CLINT BORZONI & JOHN DE LOS SANTOS
December 15, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
December 17, 2023 @ 3:00pm
Manship Theatre
The Christmas Spider
by Clint Borzoni & John de los Santos
On a bitterly cold Christmas Eve, a poor woodcutter and his two children have no gifts, barely enough to eat, and are in danger of losing their home to an impatient landlady. The surprise discovery of a large, but gentle arachnid leads to a seemingly miraculous turn of good fortune for the family, reinforcing the importance of love and togetherness.
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Inspired by a Ukrainian legend (which resulted in the placing of spider ornaments on Christmas trees for a lucky New Year), THE CHRISTMAS SPIDER is the third operatic collaboration between composer Clint Borzoni and librettist John de los Santos following When Adonis Calls and The Copper Queen. Their goal is to dramatize a new tale for all ages, complete with an original yuletide carol, that adds to the rich musical tapestry of the holiday canon.
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"The Christmas Spider was developed by The American Opera Project in their First Chance program."
Manship Theatre/ December 15 & 17 / 2023
Charles Eaton
Fedorov
Harper Andermann
Zoya
Calvin Carline
Dmytro
Kathryn Frady
Olha
Clint Borzoni
Composer
John de los Santos
Stage Director
& Librettist
Ivan Griffin
Assistant
Stage Director
Michael Borowitz
Conductor
Free Pre show Talk & Children's Activity before the show
Friday, Dec 15
6:15 -7:00 Children's Christmas Spider Ornament Activity
6:30-7:00 Pre show Talk
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Sunday, Dec 17
1:45- 2:30 Children's Christmas Spider Ornament Activity
2:00-2:30 Pre show Talk
Enjoy a free Children's Activity before the performance. Children pre-k through highschool can join us to make a Christmas Spider Tree Ornament and learn about the legend of the Christmas Spider before the performance. Art supplies and direction will be provided. Adults may drop off their children and attend the FREE pre-show lecture at 6:30pm or stay to participate. Pick your children up at 7pm and see what the children have made while enjoying refreshments.
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