Crane Opera Ensemble Brings French Film to Life with ‘Amélie the Musical’

Award-Winning Opera Ensemble from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music Stages ‘Amélie the Musical’ in Collaboration with Department of Theatre and Dance, from Nov. 10 to 13 

Photo by Emily Painter '23

The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School is set to bring a beloved French film to life, with an upcoming production of “Amélie the Musical.” 

In collaboration with SUNY Potsdam’s Department of Theatre and Dance, the Crane Opera Ensemble will present the musical in the Sara M. Snell Music Theater on: 

• Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. 

• Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. 

• Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. 

This quirky, charming Broadway musical set in Paris is based on the acclaimed 2001 French film, “Amélie (Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain).” The show tells the story of Amélie, an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. Amélie covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, she realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Audiences are invited to be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection, and sees possibility around every corner. 

“This production relies heavily on the full ensemble, which has been great fun for our students! In addition to fantastic music, the show is full of intricate choreography, puppetry, and more. It will be a special experience for the entire audience,” said Assistant Professor of Vocal Coaching and Accompanying Dr. Brock Tjosvold, who is the vocal coach for the show. 

A modified version of the musical designed for teen audiences will be presented to visiting local middle and high school students on Wednesday, Nov. 9.  

The original production is suitable for guests aged 12 and older, due to a depiction of suicide, the use of strobe lighting, some explicit language and scenes that some may find offensive. Parents are advised to use their discretion. 

Tickets for “Amélie the Musical” are $15 for the general public and $10 for students, senior citizens and youth. To purchase tickets, contact the Community Performance Series Box Office, located in the lobby of SUNY Potsdam's Performing Arts Center, by calling (315) 267-2277 or by visiting www.cpspotsdam.org. Tickets will also be available at the door, one hour prior to all performances. 

About the Crane Opera Ensemble:  

The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble is a significant source for opera and music theatre in the North Country region of New York State. The ensemble provides exciting opportunities for students to experience all facets of opera performance and production, through rehearsals, coaching and classes related to performance practices and production techniques. The ensemble’s productions have garnered awards from the National Opera Association (2019, 2018, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003), The American Prize (2011, 2017), and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (2010). To learn more, visit https://www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/opera. 

About the Department of Theatre and Dance:  

SUNY Potsdam’s Department of Theatre and Dance cultivates an innovative, experiential and multidisciplinary education within an inclusive community, which prepares students for leadership and service in the arts as global citizens. Housed in the award-winning Performing Arts Center, the department is nationally accredited and offers degrees in arts management, dance and theatre. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/AAS/depts/theatre.   

About The Crane School of Music: 

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York’s only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.