Artscene: West Bay Opera stages 'Magic Flute' Artscene: West Bay Opera stages 'Magic Flute' (October 05, 2005)

Mozart's final opera, "The Magic Flute," will open the West Bay Opera company's 50th season on Friday, October 14, at Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto.

One of the great composer's most endearing works, the opera treats the listener to dazzling orchestral and vocal music, with a wealth of memorable arias.

Performances are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 14 through 23. The Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.; the others are at 8 p.m.

Two alternating casts will sing the lead roles. Jennifer Lien and Sarah Viola alternate as Pamina, and Jorge Garza and Brian Thorsett alternate as Tamino. Desiree Earl and Marta Johansen share the role of Queen of the Night.

Alison Collins and Patrycja Poluchowicz sing the role of Papagena, while Jason Sarten and Igor Vieira alternate as Papageno.

John P. Minagro and Matthew Trevino alternate as Sarastro.

Music Director Jose Luis Moscovich will conduct, and Daniel Helfgot is stage director.

The three-act opera will be sung in German, with English supertitles.

Admission to the opening-night performance is $75. Tickets to all other performances are $50, general; and $25, youth.

For information or to reserve tickets, call 424-9999; or go to wbopera.org.

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