Mozart's Magic Flute receives Star Wars makeover from Texas State Opera Theatre

Texas State University’s Opera Theatre will present a Star Wars-inspired interpretation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute March 28-31.

Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 28-30, with a matinee production 2 p.m. March 31. All performances will be held in the Performing Arts Center, 405 Moon St.

The reimagined opera features Star Wars influences and references. Characters weren’t pulled directly from the pop culture franchise, but the saga heavily influenced overall design and action.

The opera also includes an updated libretto by Caitlin Turnage. 

"Turnage read the original libretto and was passionate about changing the traditionally misogynistic themes and messages, making the female characters independent and stronger," Director of Opera Theatre Marc Reynolds said.

The opera features the musical direction of conductor Jacob Harrison and music director Kristin Roach.

The idea behind tying Star Wars and The Magic Flute into a single production first came to Reynolds in 2010. The masonic references between the two contrasting stories served as the driving force for a new interpretation of the opera.

"We were talking about different productions that would best suit our singers and orchestra and The Magic Flute came up as the best choice of an opera," Reynolds said. "I finally had my chance to do it and here we are making that a reality." 

The opera is sung in German with English dialogue and supertitles.

Event parking is available for $5 in the Edward Gary Street Garage, 405 N. Edward Gary St. 

Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets and more information can be found at www.txstatepresents.com.