The Magic Flute November 2012
Casting information:
Tamino – William Branston
Papageno – Bob Spooner
Sarastro – Danny Smyth
Monostatos – Steve McAdam
Queen of Night – Elizabeth Slade
Pamina – Julia Weatherley
Three Ladies – 1st Kirsty Kinge, 2nd Anna Trocme Latter, 3rd Cathy Spooner
Papagena – Sian Oxley
Three Spirits – 1st Cat Thompson, 2nd Anna Hemming, 3rd Philippa Morris
Band Call: Sunday 25th November
Performances : Wednesday 28th November – Saturday 1st December
7.45pm Wed- Fri, 6pm Saturday.
What is it? Premiere of a new English version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute specially commissioned by us from Howard Faulks (Music Director for our acclaimed production of Carmen The Musical last year).
Why is it special? It’s opera more in the style of a musical – so whichever you like, this is for you. You’ll hear the familiar and well-loved arias and choruses, but the bits that tend to go on and on have been cut back. The lyrics and dialogue, taken from the original German, are direct, witty and as they are spoken today. But that’s not the only reason we’re so excited about this production – in addition it’s attracted a particularly strong cast, including some semi-professional singers.
What’s it about? “The triumph of Enlightenment over Superstition”. Don’t worry too much about that though: two men are given a challenge and succeed, just, in winning their girls, despite coming across a baddie or two along the way.
Who’s in it? People you’ve seen performing with MOS before, plus some new members – all of them local. Key roles are taken by William Branston (on parole from his prison sentence after knifing Carmen),Elizabeth Slade, Danny Smyth,BobSpooner(remember Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof?), and Julia Weatherley. We have a strong supporting cast (see below) and, as always, the MOS chorus – all singing to the standard you’ve come to expect from us.
Who’s the Production Team? The Director isPaul Seddon, who has performed with and directed MOS and other local societies – knows quite a bit about Mozart. And of course Howard is the Music Director – knows this version particularly well! A 12-piece orchestra and contemporary staging provide the musical and dramatic backdrop.