Theatre Brings Mozart’s “Magic Flute” to the Stage

One of Mozart's most beloved operas, "The Magic Flute," will open April 19 at Valparaiso University and offer audiences an opportunity to experience the composer's spell-binding music.

Director Dr. John Steven Paul, professor of theatre and director of the Lilly Fellows Program, said the tale of a prince who battles evil forces to rescue a princess has charmed audiences for more than two centuries.

"Many people consider 'The Magic Flute' to be Mozart's greatest opera," Dr. Paul said. "Mozart wrote it during the last year of his life when he was at the height of his artistic powers."

Valparaiso's theatre season concludes with performances of "The Magic Flute" at 3 p.m. April 19 and 26, and at 8 p.m. April 22, 24 and 28 in the University Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students, and may be purchased by calling the VU Box Office at (219) 464-5162.

Valparaiso's production of the opera features a contemporary setting created by guest designer Kurt Sharp, who has created sets for Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theatre, Pegasus Players and other Chicagoland theatre companies.

Dr. Paul said Sharp's idea for the setting came as he watched college students move into their residence halls in New York City.

"He was taken by the idea of young people moving into a strange environment, which is the story of 'The Magic Flute,' and adapting themselves to the environment," Dr. Paul said. "That informed us as we began designing the set and costumes for Valparaiso's production, which will have an urban, gritty and fantastic quality that plays on the magical aspects of the opera."

While Mozart's music captivates audiences, Dr. Paul says the opera also is an insightful story about the search for love, wisdom and virtue.

"The story is romantic in the sense that it's about a man and woman transformed by finding one another," Dr. Paul. "But at the same time, they are also challenged by the trials of attaining wisdom."

The spirit of renewal and excitement present in "The Magic Flute" also has been felt at the University throughout the ongoing celebration of its 150th anniversary, Dr. Paul noted.

Musical direction for the opera will be provided by Dr. Dennis Friesen-Carper, Reddel professor of music and conductor of Valparaiso's Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Friesen-Carper previously has been musical director for Valparaiso productions including "The Pirates of Penzance" and "The Ballad of Baby Doe."

"The music in this opera is some of the favorite music in the Western world and part of my job is to let the music soar," Dr. Paul said.

For more information about Valparaiso's Department of Theatre and its productions, call the VU Box Office at (219) 464-5162 or visit valpo.edu/theatre. Groups of at least 10 may reserve seats together and get a $3 discount per seat by calling at least two weeks in advance of each production's opening.