In 1791, the magical fairy tale of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte – The Magic Flute – premiered in Vienna. Today, in 2024, we can still enjoy this classic opera, but instead of a three-hour performance in German, we can experience it in just under two hours and in English, which makes it accessible for young children and the perfect holiday NYC tradition.
I recently saw this abridged performance and loved being able to understand the libretto. The jaw-dropping set design and dazzling performances were, of course, outstanding, but the costumes and puppets stole the show, and for a very good reason. The opera’s costume designer is Julie Taymor, who co-designed the puppets with Michael Curry. If the name Julie Taymor, who is also the opera’s director, sounds familiar, it’s probably because she has won Tony Awards (and many other awards) for the direction and costume design of the Broadway musical The Lion King.
Indeed, the one-of-a-kind look of the costumes and the unique puppets is something you have to see in person to appreciate. With dazzling colors and elaborate details, the performance was nothing short of breathtaking, with each scene bringing new stunning visuals on stage.
Together with the music (the Queen of the Night’s Aria is a showstopper) by the splendid performers and chorus, this opera is a must-see this holiday season.
The Magic Flute is playing until January 4th, 2025 in the following performances:
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7:30pm
Friday, Dec. 20 at 8:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1:00pm
Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 12:00pm
Thursday, Dec. 26 at 7:30pm
Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:30pm
Saturday, Dec. 28 at 12:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 28 at 6:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2:00pm
Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7:00pm
Friday, Jan. 3 at 7:30pm
Saturday, Jan. 4 at 12:00pm
The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center is located between 62nd and 65th Streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.
Price is $35 and up. To purchase tickets click here.
Photos by Richard Termine
I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets.
Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is a PR consultant and freelance writer and has written for several blogs, including The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for over twenty years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree. Maytal is a mom to three kids, ages 17, 15 and 12.
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