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“The Magic Flute” by famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most well-known and performed operatic pieces of all time. Local audiences will have the chance to catch a live rendition of the show produced by a familiar Tri-Valley performing arts group next month.
Taking place in a magical fairy tale land, the story follows the gallant Prince Tamino and his companion Papageno on their comical yet arduous rescue mission. The prince and his companion must embark on the quest to prove their worthiness and save Princess Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night.
Livermore Valley Opera will perform “The Magic Flute” from March 2-10 at the Bankhead Theater as part of its 32nd season.
LVO has performed “The Magic Flute” twice before at Livermore High School but never at the Bankhead Theater, according to artistic director Erie Mills.
“‘The Magic Flute’ is among the most frequently performed of all operas,” Mills told the Weekly. “It is a ‘singspiel’, a popular form of its time having both singing and spoken dialogue, rather like American musical theater.”
“LVO has chosen to perform the opera in English so the story is more immediate to our audience. We also hope to encourage families to attend. It’s a fairy tale for all ages,” Mills added.
Mills shared that she enjoys the show’s ensemble pieces and teased who of the cast is likely to be the audience’s most beloved character.
“In my own singing career, I’ve performed as both Pamina and the Queen of the Night. While I love their arias, I think I love the ensembles the most,” she said. “Papageno is probably everyone’s favorite character, because he is the most real. He’s funny and charming, and he gets his Papagena by the end of the opera.”
Yefim Maizel returns to LVO to offer his directorial skills to the production. Maizel retains over 30 years of operatic experience.
“Both Alex Katsman and I knew Yefim from his directing career and from his Opera Academy of CA, which he established in 2005,” Mills said. “He has directed all over the world and we are very fortunate that he was available to direct.”
Founded in 1992, LVO often calls on regional and local talent for its various shows. Mills expressed there is a great amount of talent from “The Magic Flute” cast.
Soprano Phoebe Chee stars as Pamina, tenor Victor Cardamone as Tamino, soprano Shawnetter Sulker as Queen of the Night, tenor Alex DeSocio as Papageno and bass Kirck Eichelberger as Sarastro.
Each of the stars have received notable recognition for their musical talents. Chee has been described as “one of Singapore’s most promising young sopranos” by Spot Pocket Opera Theater. The New York Times called DeSocio a “buttery, booming baritone.” LVO said returning artist Sulker is known for “displaying a bright, superbly controlled soprano with a perfectly placed coloratura.”
Afternoon performances at the Bankhead will take place at 2 p.m. on March 3 and 10, while evening performances are 7:30 p.m. on March 2 and 9.
“The audience can expect a bit of everything: trials and tribulation, laughter and romance – all surrounded by beautiful music. There are many moving parts that contribute to making stellar performances that are becoming recognized and respected throughout the Bay Area,” Mills said. “Opera is the one art form that encompasses all of the other performing arts elements. There is singing, drama, comedy, visually stunning scenery, lighting, costumes, hair and makeup.”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story included quotes incorrectly attributed to director Yefim Maizel. Embarcadero Media Foundation regrets the error.
