The Magic Flute by Lyrical Opera Theater

Show Information

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Libretto: Emanuel Schikaneder and Carl Ludwig Giesecke

Premiere: September 30, 1791 at the Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna, Austria

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes, with one intermissions

Performances: February 14, 18, 20 at 7pm & February 22 at 3pm

Role Cast A (Feb. 14 & 18) Cast B (Feb 20 & 22)
Tamino
Tenor
Jacob Kenison
Jacob Kenison
Daniel Perez
Daniel Perez
Pamina
Soprano
Chelsea Alexandra
Chelsea Alexandra
Miriam Costa-Jackson
Miriam Costa-Jackson
Papageno
Baritone
St. John Holloway
St. John Holloway
Christopher Stockslager
Christopher Stockslager
The Queen of the Night
Soprano
Linnea Miner Mott
Linnea Miner Mott
Alyssa Liu
Alyssa Liu
Sarastro
Bass
Jordan Sabey
Jordan Sabey
Hayden Hoglund
Hayden Höglund
First Lady
Soprano
Bethany Rasmussen
Bethany Rasmussen
Natalia Champagne
Natalia Champagne
Second Lady
Soprano
Christina Brandt
Christina Brandt
Karissa Kim
Karissa Kim
Third Lady
Mezzo Soprano
Holly Banfield
Holly Banfield
Maggie Gadd
Maggie Gadd
Monostatos
Tenor
Court Thomas
Court Thomas

(all shows)
Papagena
Soprano
Kate Haycock
Kate Haycock
Miriam Penrod
Miriam Penrod
First Spirit
Soprano
Megan Benson
Megan Benson
Madison Paez
Madison Paez
Second Spirit
Soprano
Taci Miner
Taci Miner
Jenny Riley
Jenny Riley
Third Spirit
Soprano
Lindsay Browning
Lindsay Browning
Anna Davis
Anna Davis
Speaker of the Temple and Chorus
Baritone
Matthew Castleton
Matthew Castleton
Josh Scribner
Josh Scribner
First Priest and Chorus
Tenor
Jesse Toftum
Jesse Toftum
Jake Hendriksen
Jake Hendriksen
Second Priest and Chorus
Baritone
Emma Swanson
Emma Swanson
Rod Hansen
Rod Hansen
Role All shows All shows
Chorus
SATB
Amy Banta
Amy Banta
Kristi Hansen
Kristi Hansen
Chorus (cont.)
SATB
Sarah Seamons
Sarah Seamons
Scarlett Seamons
Scarlett Seamons
Chorus (cont.)
SATB
Smera Nair
Smera Nair
Doree LeBeau
Doree LeBeau
Chorus (cont.)
SATB
Emily Tuutau
Emily Tuutau
Anna Roelofs
Anna Roelofs
Chorus (cont.)
SATB
Lauren Manzione
Lauren Manzione
Genevieve Manzione
Genevieve Manzione
Chorus (cont.)
SATB
J.R. Manzione
J.R. Manzione


Choreographer
Carly Schaub
Carly Schaub


Stage Manager
Trent Hall
Trent Hall


Assistant Stage Manager
Doug Hendriksen
Doug Hendriksen


Stagehands
Anna Davis
Anna Davis
B Zitting
B Zitting
Lighting
Jack Dingman
Jack Dingman
Michael Vasquez
Michael Vasquez
Costuming
Deborah Siddoway
Deborah Siddoway


Wigs & Makeup
Daniel Perez, Wigs & Makeup
Daniel Perez


Production Team

Jacob Kenison as Tamino

Tamino

Jacob Kenison (Cast A)

Jacob Kenison, tenor, is thrilled to return to Lyrical Opera Theater, having recently appeared with the company as Fenton in Falstaff. He also appeared with Utah Opera this season in Fidelio. He placed third in the 2025 NATS National Student Auditions (Advanced Classical), and is a three-time MTNA national finalist, earning third place in the Young Artist division in 2023. Trained by Lawrence Gee, former Assistant Conductor with the New York City Opera, Jacob has developed a deep passion for both opera and musical theatre. Jacob has performed extensively in musical theatre productions across the greater Salt Lake area and studied at the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival in 2025. He is delighted to bring his love of storytelling and music to the operatic stage once again as Tamino.

Daniel Perez as Tamino

Tamino

Daniel Perez (Cast B)

Daniel Perez originally from Mexico, is a tenor currently residing in Sandy, Utah. He is currently a student of Isaac Hurtado at Utah Valley University. Perez is no stranger to Lyrical Opera Theaters stage as he has performed in multiple productions including: Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, and Rodolfo in La Bohéme. He was recently a young artist at the 2023 Mediterranean Opera Festival in Sicily singing the role of Alfredo in La Traviata and Normanno/Arturo in Lucia di Lammermoor. His other more recent roles are: Hoffmann in The Tales of Hoffmann, Algernon Moncrieff in the North American premiere of L'importanza di essere Onesto, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, and Camille de Rossillon in The Merry Widow. He has also sung as a chorister in multiple productions of Utah Opera and with the Utah Symphony.

Chelsea Alexandra as Pamina

Pamina

Chelsea Alexandra (Cast A)

Chelsea Alexandra is thrilled to be returning to the Lyrical Opera Theater as Micaëla! Chelsea debuted here as Mimì from Puccini's La Boheme, which she revisited the role a second time from her previous performance in Novafeltria Italy. Since then she has portrayed the leading role of Cendrillon as Massanet's fairytale icon at UVAA and as The Mother at the Grand Theater, in Amahl and the Night Visitors. A graduate of UofU, Chelsea performed the role of Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi at Kingsbury Hall, and scenes from Così fan Tutte and La Traviata, as Fiordiligi and Violetta. Chelsea thanks Kirstin Chávez, whose guidance has been pivotal to her success.

Miriam Costa-Jackson as Pamina

Pamina

Miriam Costa-Jackson (Cast B)

Italian-American lyric coloratura soprano Miriam Costa-Jackson is the youngest of the Costa Jackson Sisters. In 2019, she made her acclaimed Seattle Opera debut as Clorina in La Cenerentola. Performing since age 14, she has appeared in productions with Utah Festival Opera, debuted professionally as Micaëla in Carmen at the Phoenicia Festival in 2018, and performed roles like the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte. Regularly performing with her sisters, Miriam has toured with Dmitri Hvorostovsky and appeared in concert at Wichita Opera. She was a finalist in the 2018 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and has studied with Renata Scotto and Sherrill Milnes.

St. John Holloway as Papageno

Papageno

St. John Holloway (Cast A)

With a voice and stage presence described as "rich and powerful, in both appearance and operatic sound," St. John's passion for the stage began at the age of nine, when a VHS recording of Bryn Terfel ignited a dream. After attending BYU to study Vocal performance and a lengthy career in business, he has at last returned to his first love. St. John is known for his "infectious laugh" and "mischievous nature"- he delights in entertaining everyone. With recent performances at the Slovak Radio Hall in Bratislava, Prague's Hibernia Theater, and Utah's own Abravanel Hall, St. John is excited to continue pursuing his passion for performance.

Christopher Stockslager as Ford

Papageno

Christopher Stockslager (Cast B)

Chris is an Utah native who graduated with his BA in Classical Voice from Westminster College in 2015. In 2017, he earned his MM also in Classical Voice from The Manhattan School of Music under Metropolitan Opera legend James Morris. Previous role highlights include Ford in "Falstaff," Eisenstein in "Die Fledermaus," Escamillo in "Carmen," Don Basilio in "Il Barbiere di Siviglia," Schaunard in "La Bohème," Lord Savage in "Jekyll & Hyde", and various operatic, musical theatre, and jazz scenes and concerts in Utah & New York City.

Linnea Miner Mott as The Queen of the Night

The Queen of the Night

Linnea Miner Mott (Cast A)

bio coming soon

Alyssa Liu as The Queen of the Night

The Queen of the Night

Alyssa Liu (Cast B)

Alyssa Liu is a dedicated coloratura soprano whose music has led her to perform on stages around the world. Passionate about collaboration and bringing classical singing into unique spaces, Alyssa regularly performs with the local group, Busking Bus Theatre, whose variety show has been seen at several festivals in Utah. Her energetic stage presence and vocal agility have served her well in a variety of roles, her favorites being Gretel in Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel, Gilda in Verdi's Rigoletto (Lyrical Opera Theater 2020), the Queen of the Night in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, and Sœur Constance in Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites. She is delighted to reunite with Lyrical Opera Theater in February 2022, to perform the title role of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor.

Jordan Sabey as Sarastro

Sarastro

Jordan Sabey (Cast A)

bio coming soon

Hayden Höglund as Sarastro

Sarastro

Hayden Höglund (Cast B)

Hailed as having a "rich baritone voice" and being described as a "truly… talented musician and performer," Hayden Höglund is pleased to return to LOT as Zuniga in Carmen. His favorite stage credits include Mr. Todd in Sweeney Todd, Silvio in Pagliacci, Betto in Gianni Schicchi, Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro, and Seneca in L'incoronazione di Poppea. Höglund recently completed a season at Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre where he performed in the ensembles of Lohengrin, Aida, and Our Town; as well as in Oliver! as Mr. Sowerberry, gaining him praise for "[springing] the show forward with [his] physical comedy and lively singing."

Bethany Rasmussen as First Lady

First Lady

Bethany Rasmussen (Cast A)

Bethany Rasmussen is currently a senior at Utah Valley University. She is expecting to graduate with a Bachelor's of Music in Vocal Performance in April. The past four years of her degree have established her love for opera, and she is honored to be in this performance of Mozart's The Magic Flute. Some of her past credits include Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors (Mother), Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (Pamina), and Massenet's Werther (Sophie) all performed with the UVU opera. Bethany teaches voice lessons at Utah Vocal Arts Academy, and she loves helping her students' voices as well as their love for music to grow. Enjoy the show!

Natalia Champagne as First Lady

First Lady

Natalia Champagne (Cast B)

Natalia Turchin Champagne is a Moldovan soprano celebrated for her vocal agility, emotional depth, and dynamic stage presence. Trained internationally (M.M., Southeastern Louisiana University; Specialist Diploma, St. Petersburg State Conservatory), she excels in repertoire from bel canto to contemporary opera. Recent highlights include Adele (Die Fledermaus by Strauss), Alice in Amy Scurria's A.L.I.C.E., Babbitt's electronic work Philomel and Elvira (Rossini's L'Italiana in Algeri in Italy). A 2024 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition participant, she has won top prizes in Romania and performed with orchestras and in recitals across Europe and the United States. Fluent in three languages, Natalia loves preparing new roles and work on new projects.

Christina Brandt as Second Lady

Second Lady

Christina Brandt (Cast A)

Christina Brandt is a soprano praised for her versatility across opera, musical theater, and concert repertoire. She has appeared in roles including Zweite Dame (Die Zauberflöte), Madame Lidoine (Dialogues des Carmélites), and Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus). A frequent soloist and competition award winner, she holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Brigham Young University and has trained with Manhattan Opera Studio and La Musica Lirica in Italy.

Karissa Kim as Second Lady

Second Lady

Karissa Kim (Cast B)

Karissa Kim lives in South Jordan, where she teaches music lessons and trains dogs and horses. Karissa has a bachelor's in vocal performance from UVU and a master's from Texas State University. She was featured in opera and theatre productions during her studies there. She has studied music overseas and has also performed as a member of Utah Opera Chorus. Recent roles include Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, Rosie in Mamma Mia!, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Jerusha Abbot in Daddy Long Legs, and the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute.

Holly Banfield  as Third Lady

Third Lady

Holly Banfield (Cast A)

Holly Banfield is currently studying for her DMA in vocal performance at the University of Utah where she was recently cast as Mrs. Lovett for their April 2022 production of Sweeney Todd. This summer, she performed with the La Musica Lirica program in Baraboo, Wisconsin as the Principessa in Suor Angelica and Tisbe in Cenerentola. Earlier in 2021, she was assistant director for the University's production of Rigoletto, in which she also appeared in the role of Maddelena. She has portrayed the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, the Komponist in Ariadne auf Naxos, Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, and Juno in Semele. She is thrilled to be on stage with Modesto Opera as Papagena for their production of The Magic Flute.

Maggie Gadd as Third Lady

Third Lady

Maggie Gadd (Cast B)

bio coming soon

Court Thomas as Monostatos

Monostatos

Court Thomas (All shows)

Court Thomas, thrilled to debut as Count Almaviva in The Barber of Seville with Lyrical Opera Theater, holds a Masters in Music from the University of Utah. Originally from Northern Virginia, he made his operatic mark as Monostatos in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte. Versatile in works by Verdi, Mozart, Rossini, Bizet, Menotti, and Sondheim, Court values the guidance of mentors like Kirstin Chavez and David Cangelosi. With deep gratitude for his incredible family's unwavering support, he passionately continues to pursue his operatic dreams, embracing every note and stage.

Megan Benson as First Spirit

First Spirit

Megan Benson (Cast A)

Megan Benson is a soprano with experience in opera and musical theatre. Operatic credits include Miles (The Turn of the Screw) with the Trentino Music Festival, and Dew Fairy (Hänsel Und Gretel), and Second Woman (Dido and Aeneas) with UVU. Musical Theatre roles include Cinderella (Into the Woods) and her award-winning performance as Lily (The Secret Garden). Megan will be graduating with her bachelors in Sociology with a Minor in music in Spring 2027.

Madison Paez as First Spirit

First Spirit

Madison Paez (Cast B)

Madison Paez, soprano, will graduate with a BM in Music Education from Brigham Young University this winter, focusing on choral education and opera. She has sung with BYU Singers since 2021, she has appeared professionally with the American Festival Chorus and the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Madison was the winner of the BYU Junior Concerto Competition and a finalist in the BYU Young Artists in Voice Competition. Recent roles include Mary Jane Colter in No Ladies in the Ladies Book and Despina in Così fan tutte.

Taci Miner as Second Spirit

Second Spirit

Taci Miner (Cast A)

Taci Miner is a soprano with extensive experience in opera and musical theatre. Her operatic roles include Gretel (Hänsel und Gretel), Belinda (Dido and Aeneas), and Olympia (Les Contes d'Hoffmann) with Utah Valley University Opera. Musical theatre credits include The Secret Garden, Les Misérables, Cats, and Mamma Mia. A Vocal Performance Sterling Scholar State Runner-Up, she holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Utah Valley University and is an accomplished singer, actor, and dancer.

Jenny Riley as Second Spirit

Second Spirit

Jenny Riley (Cast B)

Jennifer Riley began studying voice with Betty Jeanne Chipman and went on to complete her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. During that time, she played the role of Cupid in Orpheus in the Underworld, Sister Dolcina in Suor Angelica and understudied Pamina in The Magic Flute and Ann in The Merry Wives of Windsor. She has since gone on to perform at countless venues locally as well as the featured legit soprano for Holland America Cruise Lines throughout the world. Some of her favorite roles include Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Madame de la Grand Bouche for Hale's Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Hale's The Secret Garden. She is excited to join the Utah Opera Chorus in their upcoming production of Thais.

Lindsay Browning as Third Spirit

Third Spirit

Lindsay Browning (Cast A)

bio coming soon

Anna Davis as Third Spirit and Stagehand

Third Spirit and Stagehand

Anna Davis (Cast B)

Anna Davis is a mezzo-soprano pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Utah State University. She has performed roles such as Bianca in The Rape of Lucretia and Un pâtre in L'enfant et les Sortilèges. Anna is a recipient of the Schmidt High School Encouragement Award and the NATS First Place Award (Central Utah Chapter). She has appeared in a Carnegie Hall masterclass and concert and brings skills in piano, dance, Spanish, and costuming to her work.

Matthew Castleton as Speaker of the Temple

Speaker of the Temple

Matthew Castleton (Cast A)

Matthew Thomas Castleton (Salt Lake City, Utah) is delighted to appear in LOT's new production of Falstaff. Mr. Castleton has a large swath of operatic experience, including several roles with Lyrical Opera Theater: Dancairo/Morales in Carmen (2024), Colline in La Boheme (2023), Tonio in Pagliacci (2023), and Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor (2022). Mr. Castleton also appeared in Emmanuel Chabrier's L'Étoile (Vegas City Opera 2017). Mr. Castleton was a young artist at the 2009 La Musica Lirica Opera Young Artist Program (Novafeltria, Italy). He holds both Bachelors (2010) and Masters (2014) Degrees in Music-Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. When he is not performing, Matthew also works as a Order Fulfillment Associate at Lowe's while making his home in Midvale, Utah.

Josh Scribner as Speaker of the Temple

Speaker of the Temple

Josh Scribner (Cast B)

Josh is a passionate music educator and performer and is so excited to join Lyrical Opera Theater for this show! He graduated from Utah Valley University and has been awarded many honors including a multi-year scholarship based on vocal performance, and the Performing Arts Award of Merit in Music Education. During his time studying, Josh has taught piano and voice lessons and has served as Assistant Conductor for the UVU Men's Choir, UVU Chamber Choir, and the Wasatch Chorale, performing around the community and out of state, including a performance at Carnegie Hall. He has also made his professional vocal debut in the Noorda Center's production of Puccini's La Boheme. Josh currently lives with his wife Kelsey and their children in Payson, UT and is serving as the choir director at Payson High School.

Jesse Toftum, Chorus

First Priest and Chorus

Jesse Toftum (Cast A)

Jesse Toftum is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, theorist, and composer. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Utah, blending his passion for music with a strong foundation in technology. His academic journey also includes four years of studying music composition at Snow College, where he discovered his enduring love for opera. Jesse has performed as the Duke in Rigoletto, Remendado in Carmen, and Marchese d'Obigny in La Traviata for Lyrical Opera Theater in addition to contributions to chorus.

Jake Hendriksen, First Priest and Chorus

First Priest and Chorus

Jake Hendriksen (Cast B)

Jake Hendriksen has long had a love of music and performing. Described as "remarkably captivating" with "charisma and powerful vocals", role highlights include Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. After appearing in Lyrical Opera Theater's Die Fledermaus, Jake is excited to return to the stage with LOT for Falstaff. Jake and his wife Nicole have been married for 21 years, with 4 wonderful children. They love hiking, camping, and traveling together. Having his children join him in theatrical productions and watching their growth as people and performers has been a great joy. In addition to theater, Jake sings and plays keyboards with a rock cover band and sings in an a cappella quartet.

Emma Swanson, Second Priest and Chorus

Second Priest and Chorus

Emma Swanson (Cast A)

Emma is thrilled to be making her first appearance singing with the Lyrical Opera Theater. She has previously been seen accompanying The Barber of Seville and the Little Red Riding Hood school outreach program, both with the Lyrical Opera Theater. She also has experience in musical theatre, most recently as Angel in Rent. She is currently pursuing a degree in piano pedagogy at the University of Utah, studying under Viktor Valkov.

Rod Hansen, Second Priest and Chorus

Second Priest and Chorus

Rod Hansen (Cast B)

Rod Hansen has appeared in four productions with Lyrical Opera Theater. He played Fiorello in The Barber of Seville, Benoit in La Boheme and sang in the choruses of Pagliacci and Carmen. Prior to that, he appeared in musicals, such as Spamalot and Fiddler on the Roof and at Evermore Park. He is often found at Renaissance Faires performing as a medieval style bard; singing, playing guitar, and juggling.

Amy Banta, Chorus

Chorus

Amy Banta

Amy Banta didn't know she could sing until she was almost 30. Now she's making up for lost time. In Washington, D.C. she performed at The National Cathedral and with The Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan Society, singing for prominent members of all branches of government. Locally, she's performed at The Empress Theatre and with The Motley Wandering Minstrels. She also sings and plays Celtic Harp (and occasionally the banjo) with her folk trio "The High Desert Harpies." This is Amy's first time performing grand opera. Thank you for being her first opera audience.

Kristi Hansen, Chorus

Chorus

Kristi Hansen

bio coming soon

Sarah Seamons, Chorus

Chorus

Sarah Seamons

Sarah Seamons, a native of Ogden, Utah, developed her passion for music and performance through community theater and participation in university choirs. She has performed with the Utah Oratorio Society and currently studies under Lynnette Owens. Sarah's operatic roles include Giovanna in Rigoletto and covering the role of Suzuki in Lyrical Opera Theater's production of Madama Butterfly. She has appeared as a soloist at Lyrical Opera Theater's 2019 Masquerade Party and at Salt Lake City's Festa Italiana. Sarah has also performed in the ensembles of La Traviata, Falstaff, Carmen, and Die Fledermaus with Lyrical Opera Theater.

Scarlett Seamons, Chorus

Chorus

Scarlett Seamons

Scarlett Seamons is a talented young musician with a deep love for singing and playing instruments. At just 12 years old, she excels in both vocal performance and playing the piano and ukulele. Scarlett's passion for music has been a driving force in her life, and she's dedicated countless hours to developing her skills. Her upcoming role in Falstaff will mark her debut in the world of opera, taking on a new challenge that highlights her growing talent and versatility.

Smera Nair, soprano

Chorus

Smera Nair

Smera Nair has been studying vocal and piano since 2019. She has performed at the Italian Festival and appeared in renowned operas such as Tosca, Carmen, Gianni Schicchi, Pagliacci, and La Bohème. She is also a proud member of her school choir. Passionate about languages, she enjoys singing in English, Latin, Italian, French, and Hindi. Outside of music, Smera loves reading, swimming, building LEGO creations, and playing with her dog, Buddy.

Doree LeBeau, soprano

Chorus

Doree LeBeau

bio coming soon

Anna Roelofs, Chorus

Chorus

Anna Roelofs

Anna Roelofs is a versatile performer with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Theatre minor from the University of Utah. She has appeared in productions ranging from Sweeney Todd and A Midsummer Night's Dream to Amahl & the Night Visitors, Gianni Schicchi, and Suor Angelica. Her work spans theatre, opera, and film, including appearances on BYUtv's Studio C and Hallmark's Love in the Limelight. With training in voice, acting, and dance, Anna brings a dynamic presence to both stage and screen.

Lauren Manzione as Page and Chorus

Servant and Chorus

Lauren Manzione

Lauren grew up singing with her four older brothers and is excited to get to perform with her daughter in Falstaff. Lauren performed in the chorus of Die Fledermaus with lyrical Opera Theater earlier this year. In high school, she performed with Madrigals, concert choir, All-State Choir, and in the chorus of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In college, she sang with University of Utah Institute Singers. Lauren completed a Masters degree in public health in 2019, and is the mother of four rambunctious children. She works as a full-time data analyst doing healthcare IT research.

Genevieve Manzione as Page and Chorus

Servant and Chorus

Genevieve Manzione

Genevieve is excited to be in her first production with Lyrical Opera Theater alongside her mom. She is in fifth grade and has three younger brothers. She loves reading, drawing, running, swimming, and writing stories. Genevieve has been playing piano for five years and just started playing the violin. Genevieve has a big personality and great sense of humor, and brought down the house telling jokes in her school talent show.

J.R. Manzione as Servant and Chorus

Servant and Chorus

J.R. Manzione

bio coming soon

Carly Schaub, Choreographer

Choreographer

Carly Schaub

Carly Schaub lives in SLC, where she also completed her M.F.A. at the University of Utah in Modern Dance. Before SLC, she lived in ND, dancing and serving as Outreach Coordinator for Northern Plains Dance. She also has a B.F.A. in Theatre/Dance from the University of Wyoming. Carly is an adjunct for Salt Lake Community College, and Westminster College, and teaches Modern and Ballet at Wasatch Arts Center. She teaches Dance for Parkinson's for UofU's Skagg's Wellness Center and RDT. She has choreographed for Deseret Experimental Opera, Snow College, and Cache Valley Civic Ballet, Northern Plains Dance and teaches Baroque and Renaissance dance. Carly directs Dance Balletti, an early Ballet reconstruction ensemble and she also dances with Municipal Ballet.

Trent Hall, Stage Manager

Stage Manager

Trent Hall

bio coming soon

Doug Hendriksen , Assistant Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Doug Hendriksen

Bio coming soon.

Michael Vasquez, Stagehand and Lighting Tech

Stagehand and Lighting Tech

Michael Vasquez

Bio coming soon.

B Zitting, Stagehand

Stagehand

B Zitting

bio coming soon

Jack Dingman, Lighting Tech and Rigger

Lighting Tech and Rigger

Jack Dingman

Bio coming soon.

Deborah Siddoway, costumer

Costuming

Deborah Siddoway

Deborah Siddoway has been designing, creating, and fitting costumes for Lyrical Opera Theater for over 10 years. A lifelong seamstress and classically trained soprano, she has also performed in operas and concerts with the company. Her roles include Kate Pinkerton and Mama in Madama Butterfly and chorus in Carmen, Falstaff, La Traviata, and Tosca. She has soloed in concerts locally and internationally, including the Japan/Utah sister city Gala, and enjoys bringing music to senior living centers.

Daniel Perez, Wigs & Makeup

Wigs & Makeup

Daniel Perez

Daniel Perez has served as Wigs & Makeup Artist for Lyrical Opera Theater for 4 years and is also a lead artist at Hale Center Theatre, where he designs, styles, and creates wigs. Originally from Mexico and now based in Provo, Daniel is a tenor studying with Isaac Hurtado at Utah Valley University. He has performed leading roles with Lyrical Opera Theater, including Pinkerton, Cavaradossi, and Rodolfo, and recently appeared at the Mediterranean Opera Festival in Sicily. Daniel also performs with Utah Opera and the Utah Symphony.

Lyrical Opera Products, Inc.

Producer

Lyrical Opera Products, Inc.

Lyrical Opera Products, Inc. creates high-quality orchestral accompaniment tracks for entire operas, arias, and ensembles—available with or without chorus—under its D.B.A., Classical Karaoke. These tracks allow singers to rehearse or perform with the richness of a full orchestra anytime, anywhere, without the high cost. Used worldwide via YouTube, the tracks bring professional-level support to soloists, companies, and educators. In addition, Lyrical Opera Products offers stage directions, projection scenery, costumes, and scenic elements for full opera productions, helping make opera more accessible and affordable for everyone.

🎭 An Insider's Guide for The Magic Flute

Mozart's Enchanted Masterpiece

Premiered: 1791
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Librettist: Emanuel Schikaneder

The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte) is one of the most beloved operas ever written—an imaginative blend of fairy tale, comedy, and profound philosophical ideas. Written during the final year of Mozart's life, it sparkles with unforgettable melodies while exploring themes of wisdom, love, and the triumph of light over darkness.

🪄 A Journey of Trials, Truth, and Transformation

The story follows Prince Tamino, who sets out to rescue the mysterious Pamina with the help of a magic flute and the comical bird-catcher Papageno. What begins as a simple quest soon becomes a journey of moral testing, revealing that things are not always as they first appear—and that enlightenment comes through patience, courage, and compassion.

🎵 Character Guide: Voices of Fantasy and Wisdom

Character Voice Type Role Highlights
Tamino Tenor Noble and sincere; a hero guided by reason and inner growth
Pamina Soprano Tender, courageous, and emotionally honest; the opera's moral heart
Papageno Baritone Earthy, lovable, and funny; the everyman who longs for simple happiness
Queen of the Night Coloratura Soprano Dazzling and dangerous; famous for virtuosic high notes and fiery vengeance
Sarastro Bass Calm, noble, and wise; a symbol of enlightenment and moral authority

✨ Why The Magic Flute Stands Out

🎶 Music That Casts a Spell

Mozart's score moves effortlessly between lighthearted charm and sublime grandeur. Papageno's catchy songs feel almost like popular music of the day, while Sarastro's deep, serene arias convey spiritual calm. The Queen of the Night's arias—especially "Der Hölle Rache"—remain some of the most thrilling feats in all of opera.

🔺 Did You Know? Masonic Symbols and Meanings

  • Freemasonry: Mozart and Schikaneder were Freemasons, and the opera reflects Enlightenment ideals.
  • The Number Three: Three ladies, three spirits, three chords—symbolizing balance and harmony.
  • Trials of Fire and Water: Represent purification, wisdom, and moral strength.

🎉 Thanks for joining the adventure!

Lyrical Opera Theater proudly presents The Magic Flute—a world where music unlocks doors, love conquers fear, and even the humblest bird-catcher finds happiness.

Whether this is your first opera or your fiftieth, let Mozart's magic guide you toward wonder, laughter, and light.

The action takes place in a mythical land where fairy tale adventure meets Enlightenment philosophy. Prince Tamino embarks on a journey of self-discovery, guided by music, wisdom, and love.

Act I

Act 1, Part 1 – A wild landscape: Prince Tamino is pursued by a terrifying serpent and collapses in fear. He is rescued by three mysterious Ladies, servants of the Queen of the Night. When Tamino awakens, he meets Papageno, a cheerful bird-catcher who boasts of slaying the serpent. The Ladies punish Papageno for lying and show Tamino a portrait of the Queen's daughter, Pamina. Tamino instantly falls in love. The Queen of the Night appears and tells Tamino that her daughter has been abducted by the evil Sarastro. She promises Pamina's hand in marriage if Tamino rescues her.

Act 1, Part 2 – Sarastro's temple: Tamino sets out on his quest, accompanied by Papageno. He is given a magic flute, while Papageno receives enchanted bells. Pamina, meanwhile, is held in Sarastro's realm and pursued by the overseer Monostatos. Papageno finds Pamina and explains Tamino's love and mission. They attempt to escape but are captured. Tamino arrives at Sarastro's temple and learns that Sarastro is not a tyrant, but a wise and benevolent leader. Sarastro reunites Tamino and Pamina and declares that Tamino must undergo trials to prove himself worthy.

Act II

Act 2, Part 1 – The Hall of Wisdom: Sarastro explains that Tamino and Papageno must face a series of trials to gain enlightenment. Tamino approaches the trials with seriousness and resolve, while Papageno struggles with fear and impatience. The Queen of the Night secretly visits Pamina and gives her a dagger, commanding her to kill Sarastro or be cast off forever. Torn between love and duty, Pamina is left in despair.

Act 2, Part 2 – Trials of silence, fire, and water: Tamino remains steadfast, even when Pamina believes she has been abandoned. Papageno longs only for food, drink, and a wife, and nearly gives up hope. With the help of his magic bells, Papageno is rewarded with Papagena, his perfect match. Tamino and Pamina are reunited and together face the final trials of fire and water, guided by the magic flute. They emerge triumphant.

Conclusion

The Queen of the Night and her followers attempt one last assault on Sarastro's realm but are defeated. Darkness is banished, wisdom and love prevail, and the opera ends in joyful celebration as harmony is restored.

About

The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte) was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1791, the final year of his life, with a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. Blending popular entertainment with serious philosophical ideas, the opera reflects Enlightenment values and Masonic symbolism. Its music ranges from simple folk-like melodies to virtuosic arias and majestic choruses, making it one of the most accessible and beloved operas ever written.

Artist Interview Videos

Libretto

Magic Flute libretto, German-English

The Magic Flute libretto, German-English

La Traviata - September 2026

La Traviata by Verdi

A heartbreaking and timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption, set against the glittering backdrop of 19th-century Paris.

Dates:

  • Sat, September 12, 2026 at 7:00pm
  • Wed, September 16, 2026 at 7:00pm
  • Fri, September 18, 2026 at 7:00pm
  • Sun, September 20, 2026 at 3:00pm

Otello by Lyrical Opera Theater

Otello by Verdi

Otello — A towering tale of love undone by jealousy.

Dates:

  • Sat, February 13, 2027 at 7:00pm
  • Wed, February 17, 2027 at 7:00pm
  • Fri, February 19, 2027 at 7:00pm
  • Sun, February 21, 2027 at 3:00pm

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