Toledo Opera invites the public to a free community performance of The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, located at 4855 W. Central Avenue in Toledo. The performance will be followed by a cookies-and-punch reception and a meet-and-greet with the artists. All are welcome to attend.
The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish is an original children’s opera with music written by Matthew Fossa, and the libretto and book written by Joshua Borths. The production is directed by Toledo Opera General Director, James M. Norman. The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish is presented as this year’s production of Toledo Opera’s award-winning Opera On Wheels program, a 40-year educational outreach initiative that brings live opera directly to schools and community venues across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Each year, Opera On Wheels reaches more than 18,000 students with engaging, age-appropriate productions that introduce new audiences to the art form.
This year’s production tells the story of Mato, a young bear struggling to remember how to fish. Along his journey, he meets a cast of animal friends who help him discover the value of perseverance, curiosity, and respect for nature. Set in the Great Lakes ecosystem, The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish blends humor, heart, and environmental awareness in a musical journey perfect for children and families.
The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish is performed by Toledo Opera’s 2025-26 cohort of Resident Artists: Sarah Rachel Bacani (soprano), Danielle Casós (mezzo soprano), Brady DelVecchio (tenor) Rick Hale (baritone), and Yura Jang (pianist). Chosen from a national pool of more than 150 applicants for a one-year residency in Toledo, these artists bring exceptional talent and skill to this program. “Our Resident Artists bring such incredible energy and artistry to this production,” said James M. Norman, General Director of Toledo Opera. “The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish is a delightful way for families to experience opera together – it’s funny, heartfelt, and beautifully performed. We’re so proud to share the talents of these young professionals with our community through Opera On Wheels.”
“We’re so excited to bring this joyful performance to Epworth and to share it with families across our community,” said June Galvin, Toledo Opera board member and member of Epworth United Methodist Church. “Opera can tell powerful stories in fun and unexpected ways, and this event is a wonderful opportunity for children to experience the magic of live music.”
This event is free and open to the public. For more information about Opera on Wheels, please visit toledoopera.org. For media access, please contact Rachael Cammarn at rcammarn@toledoopera.org.
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