Julie Taymor is a renowned American director known for her innovative and visually stunning productions. One of her notable works is "The Magic Flute," an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In 2004, Taymor's production of "The Magic Flute" premiered at the Metropolitan Opera, captivating audiences with its unique blend of music, puppetry, and visual spectacle. Taymor's version of "The Magic Flute" received critical acclaim for its imaginative staging and creative use of puppets. The production featured larger-than-life puppets, including a 30-foot snake, a flock of singing birds, and a towering goddess. These intricate and beautifully designed puppets added a magical and otherworldly element to the opera, enhancing the storytelling and engaging the audience on a visual level.
The start time of The Magic Flute on Friday, December 30, has been changed to 7PM . Matinee tickets will still be valid for the adjusted time. If you are unable to attend the new performance time, you may request a complimentary exchange into another performance, or you may request a refund to your original method of payment. To request an exchange, log onto your My Account or visit the box office.
Tenors Ben Bliss and David Portillo share the role of Tamino, the noble prince on a quest to win the fair princess Pamina, sung by sopranos Joélle Harvey and Sydney Mancasola. Taymor s first film, Fool s Fire based on the short story Hop-Frog 1849 by Edgar Allan Poe aired on television in 1992 and was screened at the Sundance Film Festival later that year.
These intricate and beautifully designed puppets added a magical and otherworldly element to the opera, enhancing the storytelling and engaging the audience on a visual level. Apart from the visual brilliance, Taymor's production also garnered praise for its interpretation of the opera's themes and characters. She infused the story with elements of both fantasy and reality, intertwining the serious elements of the opera with moments of humor and whimsy.
The Magic Flute—Holiday Presentation
The Met’s abridged, family-friendly version of Mozart’s musical fairy tale returns for the holiday season, with special holiday pricing. Maestro Duncan Ward makes his company debut conducting Julie Taymor’s irresistible production. Tenors Ben Bliss and David Portillo share the role of Tamino, the noble prince on a quest to win the fair princess Pamina, sung by sopranos Joélle Harvey and Sydney Mancasola. The cast also features baritones Joshua Hopkins and Benjamin Taylor as the birdcatcher Papageno, soprano Aleksandra Olczyk as the Queen of the Night, and bass Soloman Howard as Sarastro. Tickets from $32.50
The start time of The Magic Flute on Friday, December 30, has been changed to 7PM . Matinee tickets will still be valid for the adjusted time. If you are unable to attend the new performance time, you may request a complimentary exchange into another performance, or you may request a refund to your original method of payment. To request an exchange, log onto your My Account or visit the box office.
Abridged production of The Magic Flute a gift of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Bill Rollnick and Nancy Ellison Rollnick
Original production of Die Zauberflöte a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Kravis
Additional funding from John Van Meter, The Annenberg Foundation, Karen and Kevin Kennedy, Bill Rollnick and Nancy Ellison Rollnick, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Miller, Agnes Varis and Karl Leichtman, and Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Zilkha
Revival a gift of Viking
This production ran: Dec 16 - Jan 6
This production is in the past.
This approach allowed the audience to connect with the characters and their journey, highlighting the timeless themes of love, good versus evil, and the quest for enlightenment. "The Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera marked a significant collaboration between Taymor and the renowned conductor James Levine. Their collective efforts ensured a seamless integration of music, visuals, and performances, resulting in a production that was both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. Julie Taymor's production of "The Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera demonstrated her exceptional talent as a director and her ability to push artistic boundaries. By blending traditional opera with puppetry and visual artistry, she created a truly unique and memorable experience for audiences. Taymor's innovative approach to storytelling continues to influence the world of theater and opera, cementing her legacy as a visionary director..
Reviews for "The Immersive Experience of Julie Taymor's Magdic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera"
1. John - 1 star: I was incredibly disappointed with the performance of "Julie Taymor's Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera. The production felt overly pretentious, with bizarre costumes and nonsensical set designs. The director's decision to incorporate elements of puppetry and acrobatics detracted from the actual opera itself, leaving the audience confused and disconnected from the story. Overall, it was a disjointed and frustrating experience, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2 stars: I had high hopes for "Julie Taymor's Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the set designs were visually stunning, they often overshadowed the performances of the singers. The decision to incorporate so much symbolism and abstract elements made it difficult to follow the plot. Additionally, some of the actor's vocal performances were lackluster, making it even harder to become fully engaged in the opera. Overall, I found it to be a visually impressive but ultimately unsatisfying production.
3. Michael - 2 stars: "Julie Taymor's Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera was not my cup of tea. The modern interpretation and avant-garde approach felt out of place for such a classic opera. The elaborate costumes and set pieces seemed unnecessary and distracted from the actual music and performances. I also found some of the director's choices to be confusing and at times even nonsensical. Overall, it was a disappointing production that failed to capture the essence of the original opera.
4. Emily - 1 star: I regretted attending "Julie Taymor's Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera. The director's vision was completely lost on me, and I struggled to follow the storyline amidst all the distracting visuals and questionable staging choices. The performances were mediocre at best, with some singers struggling to hit the high notes and lacking the emotional depth expected in such a classic opera. I couldn't wait for it to be over, and I left the theater feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.
5. David - 2 stars: "Julie Taymor's Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera was a disappointment for me. The innovative set designs and creative costumes were visually impressive, but they overshadowed the performances and the essence of the opera itself. The use of puppetry and acrobatics felt forced and unnecessary, taking away from the inherent beauty of the music. Overall, it was a production that seemed more focused on style than substance, leaving me wanting more from the experience.