THE MAGIC FLUTE
This new production of The Magic Flute is likely the most accessible opera we’ve ever seen. A “singspiel” opera, combining song and spoken dialogue, it is sung in English, with supertitles.
Designed by Julie Taymor, director of The Lion King, The Magic Flute’s enchanting stage and actors are sprayed with bright colors, scientific figures, and geometric shapes, and the set is brought alive with puppets and perpetual movement.
The story follows bird-catcher Papageno (Andrew Jones) and Prince Tamino (Andrew Brunsdon) who are tested as they strive to find love and truth. Meanwhile, the virtuous Sarastro (David Parkin) and the dark Queen of the Night (Emma Pearson) vie for influence. Of course, a magic flute and musical bells help the two achieve love and happiness.
The magic is in the music, and although the cast must compete with this over-the-top staging, Mozart’s last opera gives them the power to do so. Papageno dances through his role, and Queen of the Night pulls out the stops for her difficult aria.
Until Mar 23, Sydney Opera House, $70-297, 9318 8200, opera-australia.org.au
BY KRISTIN HENNING
