The Magic Flute

The Magic Flute an opera performed by Opera Viva at St Anthony of Padua Church Centre, Queens Drive, Liverpool on Sunday, 19th May 2024.

The Magic Flute … (Die Zauberflöte) was Wolfgang Mozart last operatic work before he died in 1791 and probably his most beloved. The ‘Flute’ is graced with some exquisite music and a libretto by his theatrical friend, Emanuel Schikaneder. Quote: “Though men may rule kingdoms if they can, none is more noble than wife and man.”  In this charming fable we see a naive Prince learn the ways of the world and gain enlightenment as he pursues love and virtue.  One of the lessons he learns is that true humanity is gained by committing to a life with another person.  You will be amused, entertained and touched by this lovely English performing version.  This piece is actually a singspiel (i.e.: sung numbers and spoken dialogue), essentially a fairy tale with a bit of Masonic mysticism thrown in; it pursues features and creates loveable characters such as… ‘love at first sight’, ‘lost and restored’... ‘a fierce serpent’, ‘enchanted beasts’, ‘magical musical instruments’, ‘a prince’, ‘a queen’, ‘a strange man with feathers’, ‘priests’, ‘singing boys and ladies’.... a great opera for the whole family to enjoy!

Production Team… Jim Craig (Director) was the one tasked with guiding us through this charming fable. He had at his disposal some fine singers and actors all of whom worked ever so well together and provided us with some beautifully interesting characters.  There was little or no doubt that Jim knew exactly what he wanted from this piece and through his direction that was achieved with ease.  Ben Draper (Musical Director) in company with the ever so talented Robert Chester (Accompanist) … worked extremely hard and provided both principal soloists and chorus members with the help and assistance they required to sing these amazing arias.  I think this is the first full opera performed by Opera Viva, where I haven’t seen multiple orchestra members involved and I must admit I did miss them very much!  Ben and Robert did amazing jobs in leading and accompanying both soloists and chorus members … but I really did miss the sounds of the individual orchestra parts… especially for this opera the ‘flute’.  

The Cast … there was great depth to all the principal parts, backed up really-well by some enthusiastic and talented chorus members.  As most will know, I’m never one to sit on the fence, BUT I do feel it slightly wrong to start suggesting that ‘someone was better than someone else’, when you could see and hear every member involved that afternoon, giving us their all!  But, again, I do feel it would be remiss not to give a few shout outs later, but here and now I’d like to identify all cast-members:-

Cameron Gergett played ‘Prince Tamino’, the loveable young prince, falls in love with Pamina at first sight.
John Kennedy who played ‘Papageno’, the comical, clumsy, know all… the ‘bird catcher’ feathers and all!
Cecilia Zhang played the iconic ‘The Queen of the Night’ role… evil, manipulative, mother figure of Pamina.
Bernadette O’Keefe played ‘Pamina’, Queen of the Night’s daughter, kidnapped/destined for higher things
David Palmer played ‘Monastatos’, evil lustful outsider, slave of Sarastro who desires our heroine Pamina
Steve Riordan played ‘Sarastro’… powerful/lenient priest, antagonist to Queen of the Night, wants people to become better people… big theme in this opera, possibly why it’s so popular and frequently performed.
Helen Redman played ‘Papagena’ … a young, feathered woman who partners up with ‘Papageno.

The Ensemble… included...
‘The Ladies’ … Pamala Ashcroft, Alison Davies, Gretta Southern and Marie Williams.
‘The Spirits’ … Catherine Cunningham, Adriana Gallimberti-Rennie, Karen Hawkins, Pat Maitland,
                           Zoe Stevens and Rhia Taylor.
In the Temple… ‘The Speaker’ … Martin Cassell.  ‘The Armed Men’… Martin Cassell & Chris Morris
                            ‘The Priests’ … Philip Johnson, Peter McColgan and Howard Yates.
 

That leaves just one... ‘The Narrator’ ... Irene Baker, who did an amazing job guiding us ‘lesser mortals’ through the ‘story link’ ... with wonderful clear diction, it meant that we understood everything and missed nothing!
 
‘Shout Outs’ ... MY favourite moments and MY favourite characters from this production!  There is little or no doubt that if you had the opportunity to ask any other people present that afternoon, they would probably select others, but these are mine... and I really don’t think I can go any further without highlighting … Ceclia Zhang’s overall performance and her outstanding rendition of ‘The Queen of the Night’ aria.  If, like me, you’re not an ‘opera buff’, I’m sure you would have instantly recognised this melody from films, TV shows and even adverts... those staccato high notes are so recognisable and Celia knocked this one out of the park!  The Bird Catcher ... ‘Papageno’ played by John Kennedy... provided us with an excellent comedic performance. John possibly hasn’t got the most obvious of operatic voices, but he sold the musical numbers ever so well and provided us with an excellent comedic performance full of musicality and character ... be proud John great job!  Finally, and to be honest I could go one, but I want to give a huge ‘shout out’ to …
‘The Ladies’ (Pamela Armstrong, Alison Davies, Gretta Southern and Marie Williams and
‘The Spirits’ (Catherine Cunningham, Adriana Gallimberti-Rennie, Karen Hawkins, Pat Maitland, Zoe Stevens and Rhia Taylor) ... who throughout the entire production gave great support to the principals and the entire production ... and if I’m honest, so did the entire cast really!  The success of this production wasn’t down to an individual, it was down to teamwork, support, enthusiasm, togetherness and enjoyment ... it was etched on the faces of the entire cast from start to finish and there is little or no doubt that this was production was received so well by all those present... congrats to all.

So, my ‘Operatic Journey of Enlightenment’ with Opera Viva continues!  I’ve said this before, and I’ll no doubt say it again... ‘Opera Viva’ really do what it says on ‘the tin’... ‘They bring Opera to the Masses’and Liverpool and its surrounding areas should be ever so proud of this company and what they stand for!  This was my first visit to ‘St Anthony of Padua Church Centre on Queens Drive’ ... a venue that isn’t blessed with the best acoustics, there were no ornate backdrops, no audio enhancement, plus the cast didn’t even perform on a stage... but all that really didn’t matter, because the energy, enthusiasm, effort from the entire company made up for all that and gave us so much more... congratulations Opera Viva another great production, enjoyed by everyone present!   

Thank you so much for the invitation, my guest Ciara and I thoroughly enjoyed the production ... can’t wait to see you all again soon. 

Stay safe, keep well…
‘Stronger Together’

Jim Briscoe
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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