One of the most beloved fairy tales will come to life when Nebraska Wesleyan University presents the opera “Hansel & Gretel” March 26-27.

The NWU Music Department’s production of Engelbert Humperdinck’s classic fable begins at 7:30 p.m. each night in O’Donnell Auditorium, located at 50th Street and Huntington Ave.

The fairy tale opera tells the story of Hansel and Gretel, the children of a poor broom maker. The children would rather sing and dance than do their chores. When their mother sees the work undone, she scolds them and sends them off into the woods to pick berries for their supper. The children become lost near the Gingerbread Witch’s lair and fall asleep. When they wake, they’re in a gingerbread house where nothing is as sweet as it seems. Hansel and Gretel will need to outsmart the witch to win back their freedom.

The roles of Hansel and Gretel will be played by Brooke Odle and Bria Langer, both of Lincoln. The witch will be played by Stephanie Pollock of Fairbury. The three-act opera is based on the German Grimm’s fairy tale and will be performed in English.

Tickets will be available for sale at the door. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and students.