By Elina Malamed

The Great Neck South High School Music Department will present The Tales of Hoffman this Friday, April 20, and Saturday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the South High auditorium.
Hoffmann (Justin Lin) is a lovelorn young man in Nuremberg who is watching his latest love, Stella (Crystal Yee), dance in the ballet. In the interval he goes to the tavern where he tells his friends the tales of the three major loves of his life. Each story forms a separate act.
Act One features Olympia (Fiona Lyngstad-Hughes), Hoffman’s first lover, who is also a talented singing puppet. Giulietta (Susie Fendt) is Hoffman’s second lover, who is fought over by several other men. Hoffman’s last love is Antonia (Daniella Brancato), a talented singer who works hard to achieve her dreams.
Auditions for the opera took place in October. Since then, the students have been perfecting their French accents, tones, and singing techniques. The opera is a great opportunity for the students to grow and become professionals in the industry.
The South High Music Department has been involved in performing operas for the past 49 years. The operas feature professional sets and costumes, with the intent to give the students experience that will deepen their appreciation of this art form. South High remains one of the only non-specialized public high schools in the nation with an active opera program. The opera is performed both on the stage and in the orchestra entirely by South students. This year’s graduating class of students leaves us having performed The Tales of Hoffmann, Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi, Carmen and The Marriage of Figaro.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors; they can be purchased from Music Department Chair Mr. Michael Schwartz, any cast member, and at the door.