'The Magic Flute' puts a twist on good vs. evil

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart likely never imagined his opera “Die Zauberflote,” also known as “The Magic Flute,” would be interpreted in such a colorful manner, as is the case with IU’s upcoming production of the classic.

Israeli stage director Tomer Zvulun of the Metropolitan Opera created the production in collaboration with both the IU and The Atlanta Opera, and Mark Gibson from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music will be guest conducting.

Sung in German with English supertitles, “The Magic Flute” follows the plight of Pamina, an abducted princess, and Prince Tamino’s endeavor to rescue her. As the story unfolds, the true heroes and villains reveal themselves in surprising ways.

Graduate student Shannon Love plays the Queen of the Night.

“The story has a lot of symbolism in it. Mozart uses a lot of good vs. evil, day and night kind of ideas,” Love said.

Graduate student Mark Van Arsdale, who plays Tamino, said that while his character traditionally discovers who is good and who is evil, the qualities coexist in this version.
The most distinctive aspect of this production is the elaborate set and props, designed by Professor C. David Higgins.

“Tomer Zvulun and David Higgins have taken it to a different level by really creating this fantasy world out of what looks like a pop-up box,” Van Arsdale said.

Love said the elaborate costumes feature embellishments such as snakeskin body suits and shimmery tulle dresses.

“All of the costumes are so detailed. I think the designer was going for a look that was a little out of this world, maybe not necessarily all human, like a night creature,” she said.

The set transforms into many scenes through changing details.

“It’s such a flexible platform that they’ve created that the set turns into anything and everything you can imagine,” Van Arsdale said. “Everything has a surprise inside it. It makes for a really fun and fantastical place where we, the characters, live.”

Van Arsdale also said the opera will appeal to a wide audience.

“It’s a great production that will really please both kids who come to see the fun side of ‘Magic Flute’ and adults who come for the broader allegory,” he said.

Wednesday’s dress rehearsal, open to students of the Jacobs School of Music, was met with delighted laughter and applause.

Brandi Smith attended with her children and husband, an employee of the music school.

“It’s very entertaining.” Smith said. “It’s a good family show.”

Love said that despite the allegory and symbolism about good and evil, the opera has a greater theme.

“Ultimately,” she said, “it’s a story about love.”