Free opera available Friday
<p>The cast in "Little Red Riding Hood" includes, from left, Lelina Pyron, Ryan Bede and Courtney Ruckman.</p>
'Little Red Riding Hood' scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
Free humorous opera in English for children and families will be offered to the public when Opera Coeur d'Alene presents "Little Red Riding Hood," live, in the atrium of The Coeur d'Alene Resort Plaza Shops at 7 p.m. Friday.
This is the chance for children of all ages to enjoy the interactive, one-act opera that is being performed this month in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls schools.
The program was also produced in the surrounding region last spring. It is part of Opera Coeur d'Alene's educational program, called "Opera-tunities," that has been taking opera to children and young people for more than 10 years.
This year's program is made possible by grants from Inland Northwest Community Foundation, Idaho Community Foundation and Hecla Mining.
New to this fall's cast is Melina Pyron, highly reviewed, frequent principal singer at Lyric Opera of Chicago. She will sing both the parts of the feisty grandmother, and Little Red Riding Hood's mother. Courtney Ruckman will be returning to sing the part of Little Red Riding Hood, and Ryan Bede will again sing both the wolf and the woodsman.
Courtney and Ryan are award-winning young professionals at the beginning of impressive national careers.
Opera Coeur d'Alene activities include annually presenting internationally known singers, including New York Metropolitan singers, for major productions, such as last month's "Carmen."
Info: operacda.com.