Following success of first sold-out event, company invites Houstonians to experience a special performance of family-friendly favorite Hansel and Gretel, directed by beloved artist Sasha Cooke
Tickets available starting today
HOUSTON—July 15, 2025—Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is proud to announce the company’s second annual Family Day, a special performance of Humperdinck’s enchanting Hansel and Gretel, on February 14, 2026, at 11 a.m., at the Wortham Theater Center’s Brown Theater. Single tickets for this popular new HGO tradition, conceived to serve students, families, and the entire Houston community, are available for purchase starting today at HGO.org/FamilyDay.
Directed by Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano and company favorite Sasha Cooke, the Family Day performance of Hansel and Gretel will be a 90-minute, English-language production presented in a relaxed environment designed for young audiences. The company is planning the event as an option for families seeking to enjoy Valentine’s Day together with an interactive theater experience.
Alongside a welcoming atmosphere—including enhanced lighting and flexible entry and re-entry to the theater—the event will feature crafts, photo opportunities, costumed character interactions, and more activities for children in the Wortham Theater Center’s Grand Foyer, both before the performance and during intermission.
HGO launched its first-ever Family Day in fall 2024 with Rossini’s Cinderella, creating an experience that combined world-class opera with family-friendly fun. The event sold out, with ticket sales exceeding initial goals by 77 percent—affirming the company’s commitment to making the arts more accessible for families.
“Our first Family Day was incredible—pure joy and inspiration,” says HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor. “From the Grand Foyer buzzing with young minds at play, to the packed theater full of music, laughter, and applause, the event was proof that Houston families are hungry for great art. We are thrilled to welcome our city back to the Wortham during Family Day for Hansel and Gretel, a stunningly gorgeous opera adored by children for over a century.”
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- A scene from Hansel and Gretel
Humperdinck’s opera is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. In HGO’s production, the scene unfolds in a German romantic setting full of dirndls, Alpine hats, and misty clouds. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by Hansel (mezzo-soprano Erin Wagner), Gretel (soprano Alissa Goretsky), Gertrude (soprano Elizabeth Hanje), Peter (baritone Geonho Lee), Sandman (mezzo-soprano Megan Mikailovna Samarin), and, of course, the Witch (tenor Demetrious Sampson, Jr.), who rules the forest from her cherry-topped house of cake—until the clever children send her plunging into a bubbling cauldron of chocolate.
Sought-after mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, who has two daughters, regularly performs with HGO, most recently winning critical acclaim for her performance as Venus in Wagner’s Tannhäuser. She will be making her directorial debut leading Family Day for Hansel and Gretel, adapting the mainstage production created by Antony McDonald.
“Sasha isn’t just gifted with a sublime voice—she also brings the superpowers of a working mother, having raised two daughters while forging a remarkable international career in an industry still learning to support parents,” says Dastoor. “I can’t wait to see her vision for Hansel and Gretel come to life. Children, parents, grandparents—everyone is in for a wonderful treat.”
Family Day for Hansel and Gretel will take place on February 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Brown Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave. Tickets range from $25 to $157.50. All attendees must have a ticket regardless of age. For more information and to buy tickets, visit HGO.org/FamilyDay or call the Box Office at 713-228-6737.
HGO also will present a full-length, German-language version of Hansel and Gretel from January 30 to February 15 at the Wortham Theater Center’s Brown Theater as part of its winter repertoire. In addition to directing Family Day, Cooke will perform as Hansel in the mainstage production.