Mozart’s The Magic Flute (Strand Theatre)

Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) is excited to announce its Opera for Families program for Spring 2009 and invites Boston-area kids ages 6-12 and their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to enjoy The Magic Flute. The lively production is a condensed version of Mozart’s adventurous and colorful rescue opera.

The opera is sung in English, fully staged with sets, costumes and lighting, and feature BLO’s orchestra. Filled with lively music and a healthy dose of comedy, The Magic Flute celebrates the triumph of courage, truth, and wisdom over the world of darkness and trickery that looms forebodingly around the corner. In this classic rescue story, the stalwart Prince Tamino and his eccentric bird-catching sidekick Papageno embark on a fairy tale quest to save Princess Pamina, the lovely daughter of the Queen of the Night. “It is an excellent opportunity for kids and their parents to spend a great time together while learning and having fun. One of the best things about this program is that it is fun for all ages,” says Ms. Green.

Performance dates, times and locations:

The Strand Theatre,
543 Columbia Road
Dorchester
March 1, 2009

Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School
350 Lynn Fells Pkwy
Melrose
March 8, 2009

John Hancock Hall
180 Berkeley Street
Boston
March 15, 2009

Regis College
235 Wellesley Street
Weston
March 22, 2009

All performances are at 1:30 and 3:30pm

Additional Information: Opera for Families introduces children to opera via a series of activities leading up to the main event: one-hour, squirm-proof performances in the Metro Boston region. In January and February BLO will offer nine free previews of The Magic Flute performances, including one at WGBH’s studios in Allston. These 45-minute presentations give children and their parents up-close-and-personal access to the artists who showcase “the Olympics of singing.” Kids have fun learning the stories and hearing what makes opera such a unique experience. In addition, online articles and activities let young audience members continue the fun at home with puzzles and games before and after the actual performances.