Overture :
Hansel and Gretel is a Grimm's fairy tale set to music by the German composer Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921). The overture is a blend of the famous melodies from this opera.

Scene 1 :
A marauding Witch searches for a suitable forest to build her gingerbread house. She smells children and follows their track. The Fairy, the King of the Woods and his Assistant disturb her.

Scene 2 :
A mother is in the cottage with her two children, Hansel and Gretel who are upset because they are hungry. The children argue and their mother sends them out to pick berries. Their father returns and warns of a wicked Witch that has moved into the forest.

Scene 3 :
Hansel and Gretel are lost in the forest at night. The Fairy appears to comfort them and the children pray for protection. The King of the Woods and his Assistant appear. They wake up Hansel and they fence briefly. In the meantime, the Witch captures a Woodland Elf.

Scene 4 :
The next morning, Hansel and Gretel wake up to the delicious scent of the Witch's house. They start nibbling on the house and the Witch captures them.

Scene 5 :
The Witch dances a victory song with her broom. The King of the Woods and his Assistant charge the Witch and they battle. The opera ends with the Witch being pushed into the oven. The family reunites and celebrates.