The Velveteen Rabbit Comes to Life as a New Children’s Opera in Harrisburg

• Asia Tabb
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  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
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aired; September 29, 2026

The Harrisburg Opera Association is bringing a beloved children’s story to the stage in a new way with the world premiere of The Velveteen Rabbit, composed by Michael Gamon, Creative and Fine Arts Chair at the Harrisburg Academy. The production will be directed by Adam C. J. Klein and will feature Harrisburg Academy student Ava Rooney in the title role. On The Spark, we’ll talk with Gamon, Harrisburg Opera Association Artistic and Executive Director Tami Swartz and a student performer about creating the opera and what it means to give young people the chance to work alongside professional artists.

The production marks the first collaboration between the Harrisburg Opera Association, Harrisburg Academy and Silver Academy. Student performers and participants are involved in all aspects of the production while earning academic credit and working with professional and teaching artists. We’ll also talk about the role children’s opera can play in developing creativity, collaboration and other skills, along with what it’s like to compose and direct an opera for young performers. The Velveteen Rabbit will have student performances October 23, with a public performance Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. at Harrisburg Academy’s McCormick Auditorium.