THE MAGIC FLUTE
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Outer space setting (Star Wars/Star Trek type of interest for kids)
- Pamina = a strong, ‘soldier’ character
- 3-headed lady = larger-than-life comical figure
- Plot streamlined so that it’s understandable for young newcomers
- Children are “aliens”: Sarastro and the Council of Wisdom … empowering, leadership roles
- Themes of conflict and forgiveness are always relevant; humor is always appealing
The Moon Planet’s Queen of the Night (S*) commands her warrior, Princess Pamina (S), to conquer Sarastro (SC), King of the Sun Planet. Pamina hears voices from afar – Sarastro’s Council of Wisdom (SC) is calling to her – they explain that the Queen is evil and they invite the Princess to join them. Just as Pamina is flying away, Prince Tamino (T) arrives – only to be chased by a Dragon (SC)! Luckily, a 3-headed Lady (variously – S,S,B, puppet head) chases off the Dragon. The Queen’s bird catcher, Papageno (B), takes credit for the victory.
…So begins a tale of humor, courage, conflict, love and forgiveness.
*S – soprano; M – mezzo; T – tenor; B – baritone, SC – student chorus; AV – adult volunteer
Music by W.A. Mozart
German libretto to Die Zauberflote by Emanuel Schikaneder
Music adapted by Jeffrey Sykes
Original libretto by Diane Garton Edie