‘The Magic Flute’ spells fun in Newport

The Met: Live in HD season concludes with a new production of Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte,” screened at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, June 10.

The Metropolitan Opera has a long tradition of memorable productions of “Die Zauberflöte,” including stagings designed by legendary visual artists Marc Chagall and David Hockney, as well as the most recent production by Tony Award-winner Julie Taymor. This new staging, by renowned theater director Simon McBurney, mixes projections, physical comedy, sound effects and acrobatics to match the spectacle and drama of Mozart’s fable. When McBurney’s production previously appeared at English National Opera, The Wall Street Journal declared it to be “the best production I’ve ever witnessed of Mozart’s opera.”

The cast includes such talents as soprano Erin Morley as Pamina, tenor Lawrence Brownlee as Tamino, baritone Thomas Oliemans in his Met debut as Papageno, soprano Kathryn Lewek as the Queen of the Night and bass Stephen Milling as Sarastro. The opera’s score features some of Mozart’s most popular music, including the exuberant overture and the Queen of the Night’s instantly recognizable Act II aria.

The production is sung in the original German with subtitles and English dialogue. Run time is approximately three hours and 20 minutes with one intermission, which will include exclusive behind-the-scenes content and cast interviews led by host Ben Bliss.

Saturday’s screening will begin at 10 am at the Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 W Olive Street. Tickets, $15.50 to $25.50, are available at coastarts.org or by calling 541-265-2787.