The Pacific Opera Project's production of "The Magic Flute" is a remarkable blend of opera and contemporary entertainment. With its innovative and imaginative staging, it captivates audiences of all ages. "The Magic Flute" is one of Mozart's most famous operas, renowned for its beautiful music and fantastical storyline. The opera follows the adventures of Prince Tamino as he embarks on a quest to rescue a princess named Pamina from the clutches of the evil Queen of the Night. Along the way, Tamino is accompanied by the birdcatcher Papageno, and they encounter a series of trials and tribulations. What sets this production apart is the way the Pacific Opera Project approaches it.
Assigned Seating
$175 - "Pay-it-Forward" seats $175*
$60 - Tier 2
$35 - Tier 3
$20 - Tier 4
The Opera company has performed many interpretations of classic works all in an attempt to make Opera something that more people would be willing to engage with. Opera Magazine wrote that the new production could bring in a new generation of opera-goers and Opera Today raved Pacific Opera Project s rollicking new take on The Magic Flute is as much endearing fun as a box full of puppies.
What sets this production apart is the way the Pacific Opera Project approaches it. They infuse the traditional opera with a dose of irreverent humor and modern pop culture references. The result is a performance that feels fresh and relatable, even to those who are not familiar with opera.
Mozart's Opera "The Magic Flute" gets a Nintendo makeover by LA-based Opera Group
Pacific Opera Project has announced that they will be performing an interpretation of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” but with a Nintendo re-imagining dubbed, “Superflute”.
Coming to the El Portal Theater March 17th-26th in North Hollywood the show takes the classic characters from Mozart’s Opera and puts them through a Mario/Donkey Kong/ Zelda themed lens.
Below is the description of the show written on it’s website.
[Pacific Opera Project Website]POP brings back its 2019 season-opening tour-de-force production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute AKA #Superflute, set in classic video games from the early 1990s. The “super” production transports Papageno, Tamino, and the gang to the land of video games resembling Mario Bros. and Zelda with a new English libretto by Artistic Director Josh Shaw and E. Scott Levin. Opera Magazine wrote that the new production “could bring in a new generation of opera-goers” and Opera Today raved “Pacific Opera Project’s rollicking new take on The Magic Flute is as much endearing fun as a box full of puppies. And as ingenious Artistic Director Josh Shaw has reimagined the piece (marketed as #Superflute), the staging is also just about as relentlessly and adorably rambunctious, all the while proving to be commendably musically refined… I loved it. I think Mozart would have loved it. If not, to hell with him!”
The immediate question you might be asking yourself is “why?” and the answer according to Pacific Opera Project themselves is to make Opera more accessible.
The Opera company has performed many interpretations of classic works all in an attempt to make Opera something that more people would be willing to engage with.
If all this has peaked your interest you can follow the link below to read information on the show or even purchase tickets if you’re so inclined.
Saturday, March 18, 2023 @ 7 pm
The staging is also incredibly creative. The sets are minimalistic but effective, allowing the audience's imagination to fill in the gaps. The use of projections adds depth and visual interest to the production, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The cast is talented and charismatic, bringing the characters to life with their powerful voices and expressive acting. It is evident that they are truly passionate about their craft, and this enthusiasm resonates with the audience. Overall, the Pacific Opera Project's production of "The Magic Flute" is a delightful and enchanting experience. It successfully combines the classical beauty of opera with a modern twist, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. Whether you are a seasoned opera fan or someone new to the art form, this production is definitely worth seeing..
Reviews for "Behind the scenes of Pacific opera's enchanting production of The Magic Flute"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pacific Opera Project's Magic Flute." The production felt flat and lacked any real energy or excitement. The staging was minimalistic to the point of being boring, and the costumes felt cheap and uninspired. The performances were lackluster, with the singers' voices failing to captivate or move me. Overall, I found the experience underwhelming and would not recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Pacific Opera Project's Magic Flute" was a complete letdown. The direction was confusing and struggled to bring coherence to the storyline. The use of projected visuals was distracting and took away from the magic of the opera. The singers seemed unprepared and lacking in vocal control, with many missed notes and strained high pitches. The whole production felt amateurish and I would not waste my time or money on it again.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I cannot say I enjoyed "Pacific Opera Project's Magic Flute" at all. The concept of updating the story to a futuristic setting felt forced and unnecessary. The blend of opera and sci-fi elements did not work well together, and it seemed like the production was trying too hard to be innovative. The singing was average at best, and I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters. Overall, it was a forgettable experience and I wouldn't recommend it to opera enthusiasts.