The Protein Dance: The Magic Flute Review – An Enchanting Family Show Inspired by Mozart’s Opera | Dance

HeyOne of the things that makes this all-ages version of The Magic Flute so successful is the way it effortlessly brings together all its components – dance, text, operatic arias, and a dreamy folk reinterpretation of Mozart’s music – in service of the story. This fantastically twisted narrative is presented clearly enough for everyone to understand (recommended age is five and up, and it’s fun for adults, too).

Papageno the bird catcher is played wonderfully by Nathan Bartman, cheeky, big-hearted and with enough warm energy to fill the stage. Prince Tamino (Jacob Lange) is his most serious character, and the choreography sends them both in easy arcs, weaving and twirling across the stage as they set off to find Princess Pamina (Faith Prendergast). Meanwhile, multi-talented soprano Donna Lennard alternates between roles, comfortably playing the jumping notes of the Queen of the Night’s famous Der Hölle Rache, while dancing or winking at the audience.

The four resemble a group of traveling players – Dick Byrd’s set, which includes a wooden stage within a stage, adds to that feeling – and there’s a fun DIY bit in some of the props, like the monster with glowing eyes that stalks Tamino. But there’s also clever use of video, choreographed by Douglas Baker, with a shadow puppet feel, and elegant, clever storytelling. There is also a surreal touch, for example, in the three spirits with the round white balloons for the heads and the wobbly dance steps. The score by Frank Moon (well known to dance audiences for his work with Arthur Petta) similarly blends house music and up-tempo, with Mozart weaving in his mystical, rhythmic music.

Choreographer and director Luca Silvestrini founded Protein in 1997 and creates dance theater about everything from our love of food to the immigrant experience, always with humor and heart. The Magic Flute is his second family show, following 2018’s The Little Prince, and you feel like you’re in absolutely safe hands, with Silvestrini and the cast alike, their skills slightly shaken in this upbeat, gentle and utterly charming production.