THE MAGIC FLUTE
Music by W.A. Mozart
German libretto to Die Zauberflote by Emanuel Schikaneder
Music adapted by Jeffrey Sykes
Original libretto by Diane Garton Edie
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
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