The West Liberty University Department of Music and Theater will present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s humorous and lively opera, “The Magic Flute” (Die Zauberflöte) at two locations in November. The first performance will be at 8 p.m. on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. at Brooke High School in Wellsburg. The final two performances will be at Towngate Theatre in Wheeling at 8 p.m. on Nov. 12 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 13.
Mozart’s final opera premiered shortly before his death in 1791. It is the story of the dashing Prince Tamino and an eccentric bird catcher Papageno as they embark on an arduous effort to rescue lovely Pamina, aided by a magic flute and silver bells. The Queen of the Night has told Tamino and Papageno that Pamina is her daughter, kidnapped and held prisoner by the evil Sarastro – but things may not be as they appear.
The cast of this fully-staged opera will be comprised of WLU music students and other outstanding vocalists from the region. The production will be directed by Linda Cowan, associate professor of voice, with music direction by Alfred R. de Jaager, director of choral activities at WLU. WLU alumnus David Zapka and Judy Allison will provide accompaniment.
Tickets for the Towngate Theatre performances will be available at the door. The general admission price is $12.50, $11 for Oglebay Institute members and $5 for students with valid identification.
The Brooke High School performance has been underwritten by an anonymous donor and there will be no admission charge.