Does the tale of a prince on a journey for true love that is full of magic and music interest you? Then get ready for Opera in Williamsburg’s production of “The Magic Flute.”
Director Eve Summer said the ‘The Magic Flute’ was the first opera she ever saw, so it means a lot to her. She thinks both new and seasoned opera fans will take away something from this production.
” ‘The Magic Flute’ for me is just pure joy, and I hope for the audience it’s just a few hours of pure joy,” Summer said.
Jorge Parodi, the group’s musical director, said what keeps the play relevant even today is not only the beautiful music, but the interesting plot and characters.
“There are other Mozart operas that are equally as great, yet they don’t have so much appeal — I think the characters (in ‘The Magic Flute’) are interesting, and the story is quirky,” Parodi said.
“The story offers a lot of possibilities to be creative but it also allows the interpretation of those characters and those relationships to be fresh and unique and exciting,” Parodi said.
Naama Zahavi-Ely, founder of Opera in Williamsburg, said this is the Opera Company’s largest production so far. Parodi said the company has recruited 15 opera singers from around the globe.
“We have the luxury of bringing international singers because they’re excited to come to Williamsburg and work with us,” Parodi said.
Summer also emphasized the quality of the cast, saying this opera has principal singers in every role of the play, including the chorus roles.
“So they’re all bringing a really incredible level of artistry to every moment and it makes every scene and every moment just truly grand and fleshed out,” said Summer.
“We call it luxury casting because it really is a luxury to have singers of such caliber in every single role.”
Parodi added there aren’t many opportunities to see a production of this quality anywhere.
“So to have them here in our backyard is very exciting,” Parodi said.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Williamsburg to be exposed to live singing and live performance and live opera, which is so unique and rare of this quality.”
However, quality costs money. Zahavi-Ely said ticket sales don’t cover the cost of production for the operas the group put on, and they are mostly paid for through donations the group receives.
“We have a wide base of support — you have people who give larger donations but you have also many people who give smaller donations,” Zahavi-Ely said.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be supported like this.”
Want to go?
“The Magic Flute” will be performed at 2 p.m. May 5, 7 p.m. May 7 and 9, Kimball Theatre, 424 W Duke of Gloucester St. Tickets are $15-$52; purchase at artful.ly/opera-in-williamsburg-va.
