A Tasty Fairy-Tale Opera

First, Hansel and Gretel went into the woods. Now they're coming to the historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington for three days in December.

Engelbert Humperdinck's fairy-tale opera "Hansel and Gretel" will be presented -- in English -- by the Washington National Opera Dec. 7-9.

In addition, this Saturday from noon until 2 p.m. the theater will host an open house for families. The free entertainment includes face-painting, arts and crafts (such as making gingerbread men), and the opportunity for kids to learn about opera by seeing sets and meeting actors.

Humperdinck, a German composer, completed his first musical work after receiving piano lessons when he was 7. His parents wanted him to be an architect, but he continued to study music. He was 39 when "Hansel and Gretel" was first staged in Germany in 1893. It is his most famous work. (He gave an early version of the opera to his fiancee as a Christmas gift and engagement present.)

The Washington National Opera hopes to make "Hansel and Gretel," which has been performed worldwide, a new holiday tradition here.

Performances are Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8 at 2 and

7 p.m., and Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25

to $50. The theater is at 1215 U St. NW. For more information, visit http://www.dc-opera.org or call 202-295-2400.