Julie Taymor's production of "The Magic Flute" is a visually stunning and artistically ambitious adaptation of Mozart's famous opera. Known for her innovative and imaginative approach to theater, Taymor brings her signature style to this production, creating a magical and enchanting experience for audiences. "The Magic Flute" tells the story of Prince Tamino, who embarks on a journey to rescue Princess Pamina from the clutches of the evil Queen of the Night. Along the way, he is accompanied by the bird-catcher Papageno, and together they face numerous obstacles and trials. Taymor's production is notable for its use of puppetry and innovative stage design. She incorporates a wide range of puppetry techniques, including rod and shadow puppets, marionettes, and larger-than-life puppet characters.
Julie taymor magic flute
Julie Taymor’s vibrant production of The Magic Flute — with its dazzling scenery, larger-than-life puppetry, and fun, accessible story—has been a festive, family hit in its abridged English language version ever since its 2006 premiere, becoming a beloved New York City holiday tradition. But when it comes to Mozart’s magical and moving fairy tale, the many children enjoying the show from the audience aren’t the only youngsters in the house.
The Met Children’s Chorus, led by director Anthony Piccolo, plays an especially important part in The Magic Flute , with three of its members serving as the trio of mystical Spirits—voiced high, middle, and low—who guide the noble Prince Tamino and the birdbrained bird catcher Papageno in their quest to rescue Pamina, the brave and beautiful daughter of the Queen of the Night. The Spirits are an unforgettable part of the show from the moment of their dramatic entrance, floating in high above stage right, suspended from wires beneath some of the production’s magical bird puppets and singing
in three-part harmony as they soar over the colorful scenery below.
Members of the 65-strong Met Children’s Chorus audition each year to earn the privilege of performing as the Spirits, which are among the most prominent and well-known roles for children in the operatic repertory. Brothers Jesse and Casey Schopflocher, 16 and 14, have been members of the chorus for a combined 12 years, and they say performing as Spirits has been one of the highlights of their time with the Met.
Casey has appeared in The Magic Flute three times (2018, 2019, and 2021) and especially enjoys “being a part of a production that’s so over-the-top,” and feeling that he’s “part of the story and living in the opera.” His older brother Jesse was an understudy Spirit in 2016 and sang the role for the first time in 2017, then was an understudy for Casey in last season’s production.
For Jesse and Casey, the Spirits’ flying scene was both challenging and intimidating at first, but they grew to love their high-wire moment in the spotlight. “It is nerve-wracking because you’re so high up in the air and you have to position your body in just the right way, and sing on top of that,” Casey says, “but Jesse got me pumped up and excited to do it.” Jesse says that after the extensive rehearsal process, he was ready to take to the sky, and “by the night of the first perfor mance, I was more excited than nervous!”
The spectacular flying entrance is just one part of the Spirits’ role, which also includes the presentation of the flute and bells to Tamino and Papageno as they enter Sarastro’s dwelling. This scene provides a new, multi- layered challenge for the Spirits as they perform intricate choreography and dramatic acting, while handling props and continuing to sing in pitch-perfect harmony.
L ater in the opera, as they save Papageno from his death and encourage him to play the bells, revealing the young Papagena, the Spirits are given another physical challenge, balancing on the
shoulders of actors while singing. Despite the tall tasks and lofty standards expected of the
members of his chorus, Piccolo has learned not to be surprised at what they accomplish. “Don’t underestimate these children,” he says. “They’re very resilient, highly talented, and always eager to perform.”
With the house sure to be filled with families this December, Casey remembers fondly what it was like to perform in front of such a warm, appreciative crowd. “It’s extra exciting to perform for this audience,” he says. “Kids are so enthusiastic. They cheer on Tamino and laugh at Papageno.” He even had the chance to feel like a true Met star when some of them came to the stage door to meet him after performances. He hopes The Magic Flute has a lasting impact on these young audiences. “It feels amazing to be introducing opera to a new generation,” he says.
Both brothers are now in high school and consid ering their next steps in their musical journeys, but Jesse has a few words of inspiration for the children in the audience who might want to take the Met stage themselves one day “See as many operas as you can and listen to the music beforehand. Watching an opera is a much different experience when you know the music. And join a chorus! You’ll learn how to sing properly—and meet a lot of great people, too.”
The Magic Flute is on stage December 16 through January 6, with special holiday pricing.
Julie taymor magic flute
Mozart: The Magic Flute – Met Live in HD (DVD) – Nathan Gunn, Ying Huang
Price: $20.00 Members: $18.00
In-StockMozart: The Magic Flute – Met Live in HD (DVD) – Nathan Gunn, Ying Huang
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeaus Mozart
Artists: Ying Huang, Nathan Gunn, Matthew Polenzani, Erika Miklosa, René Pape, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra & Chorus
Conductor: James Levine
Director: Julie Taymor
Format: NTSC
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: All Regions
Number of Discs: 1
Studio: Naxos
DVD Release Date: August 16, 2011
Run Time: 112 minutes
The inaugural broadcast of the Peabody and Emmy®-award winning series, The Met Live in HD.
Experience Julie Taymor’s breathtaking production of Mozart’s timeless operatic fairy tale. This abridged, English-language presentation for families launched the Met’s Live in HD series of movie-theater transmissions and appeals to music lovers of all ages. Filmed in High Definition Widescreen.
James Levine conducts a cast that includes Ying Huang as Pamina in her Met debut, Nathan Gunn, Matthew Polenzani, Erika Miklosa and René Pape.
Taken from the December 30, 2006 live performance.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)
Mozart’s final opera (written before La Clemenza di Tito but first performed later) premiered in Vienna in September 1791, just weeks before the composer’s death, with Mozart conducting the orchestra from the fortepiano. A timeless fairy tale, it was a major success from the beginning and never lost its place as one of the most popular works in the repertoire. Julie Taymor’s beloved Met production opened in 2004. Its abridged English-language version, which returns in December 2013 as the company’s annual holiday presentation for families, inaugurated the Met’s Live in HD series of performance transmissions to movie theaters around the world in 2006.
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Mozart's The Magic Flute
Prince Tamino and Papageno are sent by the Queen of Night to save her daughter Pamina from the clutches of the evil lord Sarastro. Prince Tamino and Papageno are sent by the Queen of Night to save her daughter Pamina from the clutches of the evil lord Sarastro. Prince Tamino and Papageno are sent by the Queen of Night to save her daughter Pamina from the clutches of the evil lord Sarastro.
- Director
- J.D. McClatchy
- Emanuel Schikaneder
- James Levine
- Katie Couric
- Matthew Polenzani
- Director
- J.D. McClatchy
- Emanuel Schikaneder
- James Levine
- Katie Couric
- Matthew Polenzani
Photos
Add photoTop cast
- Self - Conductor
- Queen of the Night
- Third Spirit
- (as Jacob A. Wade)
- Director
- J.D. McClatchy
- Emanuel Schikaneder (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
Remade as The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Mozart: Die Zauberflöte (2017)User reviews 5
Featured review Even so.This is the first time I've viewed a Julie Taymor production, and it was quite a treat. Normally, I listen to opera on DVD and skip to my favorite parts. When this version aired I came upon it by accident, not intending to sit through an entire opera. To my surprise, I found it entrancing. The integration of colorful costumes, technically marvelous sets, and what seems an adaption of Indonesian puppetry on a large scale made this version wonderful. On tape, the original libretto still holds its classic status. But on TV, the English version made it easier to appreciate, and the subtitles made the words, which were sometimes difficult to understand, much clearer, letting the plot make sense. Kudos to Julie Taymor. I look forward to seeing more of her work.
helpful • 5- barry-list
- Sep 4, 2007
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- May 18, 2008 (United States)
- The Magic Flute
- Lincoln Center, New York City, New York, USA
- The Metropolitan Opera
- A Metropolitan Opera High-Definition Production
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She incorporates a wide range of puppetry techniques, including rod and shadow puppets, marionettes, and larger-than-life puppet characters. These puppets are brought to life by a team of skilled puppeteers, seamlessly blending the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The stage design is equally impressive, with elaborate sets and stunning visual effects.
Taymor's use of projection and video technology creates a dynamic and immersive environment, transporting the audience into a world of magic and enchantment. The costumes are also intricately designed, with vibrant colors and imaginative details that enhance the visual spectacle of the production. In addition to the visual elements, Taymor's direction also offers a fresh interpretation of the opera's story and characters. She infuses the production with a sense of playfulness and humor, while still maintaining the emotional depth and musicality of Mozart's score. Overall, Julie Taymor's "The Magic Flute" is a captivating and innovative adaptation of a beloved opera. By incorporating puppetry, stunning stage design, and imaginative direction, Taymor creates a truly magical and memorable theatrical experience..
Reviews for "Julie Taymor's The Magic Flute: How Traditional Opera Meets Avant-Garde Theater"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Julie Taymor's Magic Flute". While the concept of combining opera with puppetry and visuals seemed interesting, it just didn't work for me. The excessive use of puppets and costumes took away from the beauty of the music and the performances. The story also felt convoluted and hard to follow. Overall, I found the production to be more focused on the visual spectacle than on the quality of the performance, which was a letdown.
2. Emily - 1 star
I have to say I was thoroughly unimpressed with "Julie Taymor's Magic Flute". The use of puppets and the extravagant visuals simply overshadowed the essence of the opera. The music and singing seemed secondary to the elaborate costumes and set design. I found it difficult to connect with the characters or the story when they were constantly overshadowed by the flashy visuals. It felt like a missed opportunity for showcasing the talent of the performers and the beauty of Mozart's music.
3. David - 2 stars
"Julie Taymor's Magic Flute" left me feeling underwhelmed. While I appreciate the attempt at creating something visually unique, the execution fell short for me. The puppets and costumes were impressive, but they often became distracting and made it hard to focus on the actual opera. The story also felt disjointed and lacked coherence. I was hoping for a memorable rendition of Mozart's masterpiece, but unfortunately, this production failed to deliver on that front.