The Magic Flute @ McCaw Hall

Even if you’ve never seen an opera, you’ve most certainly heard the dramatic earworm “The Queen of the Night” aria from The Magic Flute in a film, TV show, or commercial. (Not sure? Go ahead, search and listen; we’ll wait.) Now’s your chance to experience Mozart’s classic opera in its full glory. Which includes dragons galore.

“Almost every scene has a dragon, plus there’s fire, there’s water, there are stars in the heavens,” says Barrie Kosky, director of The Seattle Opera’s production of The Magic Flute. “It’s an endless series of special effects and this is what the audience expects.”

This whimsical fantasy, featuring eye-popping hand-drawn animation, follows the adventures of dashing Prince Tamino and the bird catcher Papageno in their quest to save Princess Pamina. The duo face off with Pamina’s vengeful mother, the Queen of the Night. But rest assured she is no match for Tamino’s faith and determination, not to mention his magic flute that possesses extraordinary powers. In the end, love prevails.

Why a magic flute? Mozart believed that music has the power to transcend human fear and hatred. So, the moral of the story is that the beauty of music can enlighten society and help us all to be our best selves.

Inspired by silent movies, Kosky’s colorful and energetic production comes to Seattle after receiving standing ovations at opera houses around the world.

Seattle Opera serves the people of the Pacific Northwest through music, storytelling, and programs for people of all ages.

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