From TOLEDO OPERA
Toledo Opera invites the public to a free community performance of “The Three Little Pigs” on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 4 p.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 W. Central Ave., Toledo. The performance will be followed by a cookies-and-punch reception and a meet-and-greet with the artists. All are welcome to attend.
“The Three Little Pigs” is an original retelling of the classic folk tale based on scenes and music from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s operas, adapted by John Davies. “The Three Little Pigs” is presented as the 2026-27 production of Toledo Opera’s award-winning Opera on Wheels program, a 40-year educational outreach initiative that brings live opera directly to schools and community venues across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Each year, Opera on Wheels reaches more than 20,000 students with age-appropriate productions that introduce new audiences to the art form.
This year’s production tells the story of siblings, Don Giovanni, Cherubino, and Despina, and their plans to build their new homes. While Don Giovanni and Cherubino decide on straw and sticks, Despina decides to research “huff-proof, puff-proof” building methods at the local library. In the meantime, the hungry wolf, Wolfgang Bigbad, blows down the homes of Despina’s brother and sister. Will Despina’s analysis of construction materials save their “bacon”? Is knowledge more powerful than a wolf’s appetite?
“The Three Little Pigs” is performed by Toledo Opera’s 2026-27 cohort of resident artists: Jenna Gisson, soprano; Caroline Friend, mezzo soprano; Jeremy Do, tenor; Timothy Krueger, baritone; and Charles Ligus, pianist. Chosen from a national pool of more than 150 applicants for a one-year residency in Toledo, these artists bring talent and skill to this program.
“Everyone knows and loves the story of ‘The Three Little Pigs,’ but told through the singing of our brilliant and energetic resident artists and with the sublime music of Mozart, this is a version that you will not want to miss,” said Kevin Bylsma, artistic director of Toledo Opera. “Opera meets fairytale in the most perfect and charming way.”
“We’re so excited to bring this joyful performance to Epworth and to share it with families across our community,” said June Galvin, Toledo Opera board member and member of Epworth United Methodist Church. “Opera can tell powerful stories in fun and unexpected ways, and this event is a wonderful opportunity for children to experience the magic of live music.”
This event is free and open to the public. For more information about Opera on Wheels, visit toledoopera.org.
