UTRGV Opera Theater Presents Comic One-act, ‘The Ugly Princess’

The UTRGV Patron of the Arts Series will present two world-premiere performances of a one-act comic opera, The Ugly Princess, by UTRGV faculty Dr. Lelia Sadlier.

The performances will be 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Library Auditorium on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus.

NOTE: Access to the university on Dec. 1 will be limited to Schunior Road due to the Edinburg Holiday Parade. Please plan accordingly, and park on the north side of campus in lots E9, 10, 14, or 28.  CAMPUS MAP: http://www.utrgv.edu/_files/documents/admissions/visit/utrgv-edinburg-map.pdf

“The Ugly Princess, Princess Altamira, has been told that she is the most gloriously beautiful woman in all of the world, but the truth is that she is anything but!” said Dr. David Sadlier, Associate Professor in the UTRGV School of Music. “Music and comic dialogue help make the point that, as suitors fall by the wayside, beauty is on the inside, and taking care of those in need is a precious attribute.” 

Dr. Dahlia Guerra, Assistant Vice President of Public Art at UTRGV, said “the music is modern, and beautiful with its many Spanish elements, both in melodic contour and rhythmic gesture. Both the story and music are very accessible, as it was written with school outreach in mind. It is very family friendly, with a Shrek-like energy, and is equally entertaining for children and adults alike.” 

The performers are members of the UTRGV Opera Theater class, and several students are singing different roles on different nights. The opera is double cast, allowing the students to learn multiple roles. The orchestra is a piano quintet with percussion, and the one-act opera is fully staged and costumed.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, children, and UTRGV students/staff. Group rates are available for schools. 

Tickets are available at the door or at patron.utrgv.edu.