Washington National Opera: The Magic Flute

Mozart meets Maurice Sendak and a little magic.

The Magic Flute
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder

In English with Projected English Titles
Production from Portland Opera with Designs by Maurice Sendak

This great adventure starts with an unexpected pair: Tamino, a handsome young prince, and Papageno, his silly bird-catcher sidekick. When the mysterious Queen of the Night enlists the duo to rescue her kidnapped daughter Pamina, a fantastic journey follows. Armed with a magic flute and bells, they’re prepared for whatever trials they may face. However, not all is as it seems—and not everyone can be trusted.

Friends will become foes and enemies will become allies in Mozart’s final and beloved opera. A whimsical production designed by children’s author/illustrator Maurice Sendak, known for his rumpus-filled artistry, sets a playful landscape for this enchanting fairy tale. Rich with colorful characters, unforgettable vocal acrobatics, and evocative symbols and allegory, Tamino’s quest for love and truth is fantastical entertainment for all ages.

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CAST
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Tamino:
David Portillo
Pamina:
Sydney Mancasola*
Queen of the Night:
Kathryn Lewek
Sarastro:
Wei Wu†
Papageno:
Michael Adams†
Sprecher:
Kevin Short

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CREATIVE TEAM
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Conductor:
Eun Sun Kim*
Director:
Christopher Mattaliano
Scenery Design
Realized by Neil Peter Jampolis based on the original artwork of Maurice Sendak
Lighting Designer
Neil Peter Jampolis
Projection, Associate Lighting & Scenic Design
John Garofalo*

† Alumna of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program
* WNO Debut

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COME EARLY FOR A FREE PRE-PERFORMANCE TALK
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Join a free lecture before every Opera House production and Blue! Delve deeper as you take a peek inside the composer’s mind, behind the scenes of planning a production, and into the history and social context of each opera. These lectures are free, but patrons must present a ticket from any performance of the production that is being discussed in the lecture.

Most Pre-Performance Talks begin 1 hour before the performance and last 25–30 minutes. Musicologist Saul Lilienstein’s talk is scheduled for Tue., Nov. 12, beginning 1 hour and 15 minutes before the performance and lasting 35–40 minutes.

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POST-PERFORMANCE ARTIST Q&A
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Don't miss your opportunity to engage directly with our artists and share your thoughts on the experience you just had! Here's your chance to ask questions and get the inside scoop on the production from members of the cast and creative team.
All discussions begin immediately after the performance and are free with your ticket.

The Magic Flute Artist Q&A Dates:
Mon., Nov. 4
Sun., Nov. 17