Calgary Opera’s ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ hopes to be perfect first experience for young families

Calgary Opera is bringing a one-hour, kid-ready take on Little Red Riding Hood to the Mamdani Opera Centre this weekend – and it comes with a notable first.

The production is directed by acclaimed theatre artist Mieko Ouchi, who is stepping into opera for the very first time.

“This is my very first time directing an opera. I’ve directed lots of straight dramatic plays and musicals, but this is the first time I’ve done an opera. So there’s been so much to learn,” she says. 

Ouchi is known across the country for her theatre work, but she says moving into opera meant checking in with colleagues who already know the form. Their advice helped her find the bridge between the two art worlds.

“The really wonderful thing that they all said to me… was, you know, you’re a stage director. You know how to make beautiful pictures on stage and just use those skills. They’re just going to be singing in a different way in an operatic way,” she says. 

She’s working with emerging artists from Calgary Opera’s McPhee program, and says they’re all-in on the physicality this family-friendly take requires.

“They’ve been so brave at leaping in and doing all the wild things I’ve asked them to do… running around, doing a puppet show while singing really well and singing lots of high notes and low notes,” Ouchi says.

This adaptation keeps the bones of Seymour Barab’s playful mini-opera but adds a modern framing scene built around a child adjusting to a new home.

“Her room is full of boxes… and as she falls asleep feeling kind of unsure about being in this new space, this dream comes to life,” Ouchi explains. “Her mom and her brother [are] playing all the roles… and we see that sort of come to life out of her imagination.” 

The role of Little Red is performed by an adult singer, but with the energy and point of view of a kid at the centre of the action.

The show is deliberately quick, light, and built for wiggly audiences.

“They’re able to sit through 40–42 minutes of great singing, great fun, and then we’re done,” she says. “And we also have some audience participation… so I think that will help keep it really engaging for them.” 

Calgary Opera is also offering a sensory-friendly performance next weekend for kids who need a gentler environment.

“That’s a show where it’s a little bit of a freer performance for kids. They can make sounds, the doors are open, they can leave and come back if they need to,” says Ouchi. “We adjust the lighting and the sound so it’s not so overwhelming.” 

Instead of a massive hall, the production is staged in Calgary Opera’s own home.

“It’s a really beautiful church that has been made into this performance space… and it’s a lovely place to come,” she says.