Monkey And Francine
In The City Of Tigers
Produced By
Houston Grand Opera

This performance will not be livestreamed.

Composer Kamala Sankaram and librettist David Johnston’s original opera was commissioned by HGO and made its world premiere in 2017. The work has gone on to have a life on other stages around the country. It may have been created for children, but it’s a hit with grownups too! 

Bringing together influences from India, China, and West Africa, the opera shares the tale of Monkey and his whip-smart sister Francine, who must figure out how to work together if they want to escape the clutches of the hungry Crocodile and the greedy Lord of the Tigers. Featuring a mix of musical styles from Bollywood, opera, and jazz combined with relatable, contemporary language and characters, the opera conveys a timely message of unity. 

The mission of HGO is to enrich our diverse community through the art of opera by creating, curating, exploring, and producing outstanding experiences centered around the human voice.

Houston Grand Opera Community & Learning initiatives have engaged with Houston’s dynamic, diverse and multigenerational population since 2007. By providing authentic and enriching experiences through collaborative partnerships with schools, families, community organizations, and curious members of society, Community and Learning explores the intersection between the art of opera and the needs of the people HGO serves. Initiatives include developing new operatic works, and conversations that resonate thematically with the Opera’s audiences and, each season, offering popular, accessible programs like the Student Performance Series, Opera to Go!, and Storybook Opera in over one hundred schools in Houston and throughout Texas.

All performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre are FREE!

This is a non-ticketed performance. No tickets are necessary, no reservations can be made. As a courtesy to Miller, we’d appreciate it if you’d fill out the school group attendance form here.

School groups can learn more about visiting Miller here.