Mother Goose may be known for her nursery rhymes, but thanks to the GVSU Opera Theatre and the Grand Rapids Ballet, her iconic stories will be getting the stage treatment.

The two groups are coming together to bring both “Mother Goose” and “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Do His Homework” to the stage in the form of a ballet and opera performance, respectively.

Including famous stories like “Beauty And The Beast,” “Tom Thumb” and “Sleeping Beauty,” music shall play a backdrop to these family-friendly narratives.

“‘Mother Goose’is a ballet danced by GR Ballet, Patricia Barker, Acting Artistic Director and Choreographer,” said Dale Schriemer, artistic director of Opera Theatre at GVSU. “‘The Boy who wouldn’t do his Homework’ is an opera performed by GVSU Opera Theatre, directed by Isabel Milenski, and music director James Barnett.”

Both pieces were written by famed French composer Maurice Ravel, best known for his distinct style of impressionist music, which has become wholly his own.

Of the cast, 18 students are performing, and will be taking on more than 20 roles, according to Schriemer.

“As Artistic Director of OT, I have wanted to do this opera here for many years,” he said. “But all the pieces did not fall together until this year.”

While most people have heard the tales of Mother Goose, “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Do His Homework” may not be as well known to many in the audience.

The opera tells the story of a young boy, who after being yelled at by his mother, destroys the room surrounding him. The unhappy items in his room begin to come to life, and shun the rude boy for the damage that he’s done to them. Crying for his mother, the objects turn, begin to attack, until they see one of them injured. The boy saves the animal, and the fellow animals change their minds and sing about the goodness of the lead.

“The great thing about the opera, which is originally written in French, but sung here in English translation, is both great music and a great story,” said Schriemer “The music has the same imaginative qualities of the story and switches quickly from one idea to the next, paralleling the story line.”

The performance will also bring in some outside talent to help bring these stories to life.

“Isabel Milenski and James Barnett are guest artists who come just for this project,” said Schriemer. “Isabel has a long list of accomplishments, having directed in LA, Cincinnati, New York City, etc. This is her 4th production with GVSU. James Barnett is new to GVSU, having just completed his Doctorate at University of Minnesota in piano. Both are highly skilled artists and understand the need for excellence and good training for our students.”

The ballet will be performed at the Louis Armstrong Theatre on the Allendale Campus on Feb. 25, 26 and 27.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and $10 for children and students. Tickets can be purchased at the Louis Armstrong Theatre box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are also available through the Grand Rapids Ballet box office and at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, contact the Louis Armstrong Theatre at 616-331-8176.

[email protected]