The DePaul University Opera Theatre will present Mozart's “The Magic Flute” at the historic Merle Reskin Theatre, located at 60 E Balbo Drive. The opera premiers March 13 and offers a second and final performance March 15. (Image provided by the School of Music)CHICAGO—The DePaul University Opera Theatre will present Mozart’s final opera, “The Magic Flute,” for two performances, March 13 and 15. The opera will be held in the historic Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E Balbo Drive. The March 13 performance will be presented at 7:30 p.m. and the March 15 at 2 p.m.
“The Magic Flute” is a story of magic, wonder and love conquering all. The opera tells the story of Tamino, a young hero who is sent on a mission by the Queen of Night to rescue her daughter, Pamina from the clutches of the evil wizard, Sarastro. He must use the help of his sidekick Papageno, and the powers of the titular flute to survive the trials of Sarastro’s temple. However, not everything is how it seems.
“We want to challenge people to try something outside their comfort zone,” said Tomas Dominguez, who will be portraying Prince Tamino. “This opera is a fun experience. You will never forget it.”
The opera combines Mozart’s music, a timeless story, colorful characters and Maxfield Parrish-inspired costumes and scenery. This opera is perfect for families and has both sung and spoken dialogue. It will be presented in English.
“Full of beautiful melodies and charming characters, Mozart’s beloved final opera, ‘The Magic Flute,’ is bursting with magic and wonder,” said Judy Bundra, the interim Dean of the DePaul University School of Music. “Every young singer dreams of the opportunity to perform a role in ‘The Magic Flute.’ Come watch tomorrow’s stars, today in DePaul’s production.”
Performances will be brought to life by guest conductor Hal France and stage director Harry Silverstein. France is an in-demand conductor who has worked for opera companies and symphony orchestras around the world. He previously served as first conductor of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and as artistic director of the Omaha Opera.
Silverstein has served as director of DePaul Opera Theatre for 25 years. He has worked on more than 90 productions of 40 different operas on four continents. Silverstein directed a production of “The Magic Flute” for the San Francisco Opera and will direct it again for the Washington National Opera in May. He also teaches advanced acting and musical stage technique classes at DePaul.
“I really enjoy the music and opera production is really about how you relate to the music as an artist and I think it’s spectacular. It’s a lot of fun. So it really gives me the opportunity to do sometimes silly things, sometimes wild things and sometimes extravagant things,” said Silverstein. “The nature of the piece is magical and set in a world in which crazy things happen and the characters are most unusual. It gives you a very wide opportunity to approach it in a number of different ways, all of which can work fabulously with the piece,” he said.
“It’s a big ensemble piece, which means there are plenty of chances to have lots of excellent performers do excellent performances. The public love it. So, there’s nothing better than being able to do work where people really like the foundation of what’s going on,” said Silverstein.
Tickets are $25 for main floor seats, $20 for Mezzanine seats and $5 for seats in the balcony. Students may obtain two tickets for free at the door if they bring their student ID. Discounts also are available for seniors, students, DePaul alumni and DePaul employees.
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Media Contact:
Jon Cecero
jcecero@depaul.edu
(312) 362-7640