A magical spellbound residence is a dwelling place that is enchanted with various spells and charms, creating a mystical and otherworldly environment for its inhabitants. These residences are often found in fantasy literature and folklore, captivating the imaginations of readers and transport them into a realm of magic and wonder. The design and construction of a magical spellbound residence are unique and often defy the laws of physics. These residences may have floating staircases that lead to rooms hidden behind secret passages or doors that only open with a specific magical phrase. Walls may be adorned with portraits that come to life and interact with the residents, offering advice or assisting with tasks. The interior of a magical spellbound residence is often filled with enchanted objects and furniture.
Cost:
General Admission $45
Seniors 65+ $30
Any Students $20
Group (10+) $40
The role of the Queen of the Night numbers among the most famous in opera and her two coloratura arias O Zittre Nicht Mein Lieber Sohn Do not Tremble My Dear Son and especially Der Hölle Rache the Infernal Vengeance have become nothing short of legendary. Under Linda Brovsky s direction, this production speaks directly to our current societal pressures, where young people must find their way in a confusing, divisive world.
The interior of a magical spellbound residence is often filled with enchanted objects and furniture. Everyday items such as chairs and tables may have a mind of their own, rearranging themselves to suit the needs of the residents or even performing simple tasks like setting the table or tidying up. Fireplaces may speak and provide warm and comforting words to those nearby.
Portland State Opera to Present "The Magic Flute"
The Magic Flute's The Three Ladies, Krista Schaeffer, Isabella Kerr Moore, and Christina Mata (l-r). Photo by Chad Lanning.
At PSU, spring brings flowers, milder temperatures, and a delightful full-scale, world-class opera production on our main stage. This year, Portland State University Opera presents Mozart’s final opera, “The Magic Flute,” April 21 through April 30, 2023.
PSU Opera, the nationally recognized opera training program of the PSU School of Music & Theater, performs the singspiel in its original German. With a score by the legendary composer and a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, Mozart’s beloved “The Magic Flute” is a celebration of truth, courage, sacrifice and love as the true path to enlightenment. PSU’s production is helmed by internationally known opera director Linda Brovsky.
PSU’s “The Magic Flute” invites audiences into a medieval, high-fantasy realm, rich with mystical, gothic visual themes and filled with terrifying serpents, mischievous fairies and charming forest animals. The dashing Tamino and his bird-catching sidekick Papageno find themselves facing a life-changing challenge issued by the Queen of the Night: to rescue her daughter, the beautiful princess Pamina, who has been imprisoned by the evil sorcerer Sarastro. Armed with little more than a magic flute and an unshakeable commitment to true love, Tamino and Papageno embark on a journey to find the princess. Along the way, they discover that not all is as it appears in this mysterious realm. Pamina and Tamino soon fall in love, and together they face grueling trials that test their steadfastness in a battle of good against evil. The full synopsis for “The Magic Flute” can be found here.
The last opera Mozart would write, “The Magic Flute” (Die Zauberflöte) premiered in late September 1791 in Vienna, Austria. He passed away at age 35, just over two months after conducting its first performance, capping a brief life and spectacularly prolific musical career. Widely considered to be one of the most gifted composers in the history of classical music, Mozart wrote more than 800 works, ranging from operas to symphonies, concertos, chamber music and masses. Opera in Mozart’s time was typically performed for the aristocracy, and Mozart himself was in the employ of one such aristocrat, Salzburg’s Archbishop Colloredo. The young musician strained against the confines of this employment, however, and struck out on his own, writing and staging concerts and works that proved popular with audiences and dazzled his contemporaries. However, despite his prolific output and recognized brilliance, Mozart reached the end of his life in a state of poverty – a far cry from the wealthy aristocrats who had sponsored him.
Schikaneder and Mozart created “The Magic Flute” as a work for the Austrian people, using the vernacular German instead of Italian and tailoring the opera to the general public. Both were followers of the Freemasons, who embraced the ideals of liberty, virtue, knowledge and enlightenment, challenging the status quo and taking power from the aristocracy. The opera is filled with Masonic symbolism, including the temple, purification rituals, and repeated occurrences of the number of three throughout the work.
“‘The Magic Flute’ emphasizes the ideas of sacrifice, rationality, beauty and love,” said Kelley Nassief, PSU’s Director of Opera and Opera Studios. “It explores how we can use our own agency and sense of hope to find our way out of the darkness. Under Linda Brovsky’s direction, this production speaks directly to our current societal pressures, where young people must find their way in a confusing, divisive world.”
“It also features some of the most recognizable and loved opera music of all time, with an ingenious score that includes everything from folk music to elegant and refined pieces, to brilliant harmonics that foretell the romantic era,” Nassief said.
Stage director Linda Brovsky leads a cast of talented, accomplished young singers in the beloved comedic opera. Brovsky has directed productions on operatic stages across North America, including the San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, and many more. A sought-after mentor and teacher of young singers, she has directed productions for Yale University, the Manhattan School of Music and San Francisco Opera’s Merola program, in addition to leading scenes programs at Carnegie Mellon University and Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Program.
For this production, Brovsky is collaborating with an accomplished creative team, including Dr. Chuck Dillard, Music Director; Lawrence Larsen, Set Designer; Peter West, Lighting Designer; and Paige Hanna, Costume Designer. The PSU Orchestra, conducted by Chuck Dillard, will accompany the performers.
About Portland State Opera
Established in 1977, Portland State University Opera is a world-class professional training ground for students in the vocal arts, and one of few in the United States that offers both undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to take on leading roles in full-scale opera productions. Alumni of PSU’s vocal arts program have established professional careers with roles on Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera and beyond.
If You Go
Performances of "The Magic Flute" will take place as follows:
When:
Friday, April 21, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 23, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
Where:
Lincoln Performance Hall
1620 SW Park Avenue
Portland, Oregon
Run time is approximately three hours, with one intermission. Pre-show talks will be held starting one hour before each performance.
Each performance will be visually translated with English text projected above the stage.
Tickets ($45 general, $30 senior [65 and over], $20 student, $40 group ticket [10 tickets or more]) may be purchased at the PSU Box Office or by calling 503-725-3307.
She loathes Sarastro and covets his power, but it is hinted that the sorrow of widowhood and the bitterness of being deprived of the Circle of the Sun drove her to the deep end. Judging from how her subjects praise her, she seems to be a good ruler. While her actions are inexcusable, she fights for what she regards as her right to own and rule.
The surrounding landscape of a magical spellbound residence is also enchanting. These residences are often found in secluded or hidden locations like deep forests or atop majestic mountains. Gardens may be filled with magical flowers that bloom in different colors depending on the time of day while fountains may have water that grants special abilities or induces visions when consumed. Inhabitants of a magical spellbound residence may include wizards, witches, fairies, and other magical beings. These residents are often skilled in the use of magic and may use the enchantments of the residence to further enhance their powers. They live in harmony with their spellbound abode, coexisting with the magical energies that permeate every corner. In literature, magical spellbound residences serve as important settings and often play a central role in the plot. They can be places of refuge and safety for the protagonists or hold valuable artifacts and treasures that characters must seek or protect. The residents of these residences may become allies or adversaries, offering assistance or posing challenges and tests to the main characters. Overall, a magical spellbound residence is a fascinating concept that ignites the imagination and transports us to a world where anything is possible. It is a place where magic and reality blend seamlessly, creating an enchanting and captivating environment that lingers long after the story is finished..
Reviews for "Enchanting Homes: Experience the Wonder of a Spellbound Residence"
1. Elizabeth - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with Magical Spellbound Residence. The story was predictable and full of clichés. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style felt amateurish and the world-building was very poor. Overall, it was a forgettable and unenjoyable read.
2. Jonathan - 1 out of 5 stars - I couldn't even finish Magical Spellbound Residence. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with no clear direction. The dialogue was awkward and unrealistic, and the author seemed to rely heavily on stereotypes and tropes. The book was also riddled with grammatical errors and typos, which is unacceptable for a published work. I would not recommend wasting your time on this poorly written and poorly executed novel.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I expected so much more from Magical Spellbound Residence, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it seemed like nothing substantial happened for the majority of the book. The magical elements were underdeveloped and inconsistent, making it hard to suspend disbelief. The characters lacked depth and were difficult to connect with. Overall, I found the book dull and unengaging.
4. Michael - 2.5 out of 5 stars - Magical Spellbound Residence had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver. The story lacked originality and felt like a mash-up of other popular fantasy books. The writing style was clunky and uninspiring, and I found myself losing interest quickly. The world-building was also lacking, leaving many plot holes and unanswered questions. Overall, it was a mediocre read that didn't live up to its potential.