Summary
A musical tale based on Mozart’s opera Die Zauberflöte
Lucile Pessey – Soprano
Mikhael Piccone or Pascal Terrien – Baritone (alternating)
Jonathan Mathis – Barrel organ
Catherine Sparta – Writing, adaptation and stage direction
Sarah Habib – Costumes
Emmanuel Boyer – Lighting design
Ages 6 and up
Created in 2025
The story begins in a children’s bedroom. The Sandman bursts in with his two magi and his huge barrel organ on an emergency call: his sworn enemy, Sadness, is breaking the children’s hearts and keeping them from falling asleep. They must act fast and find, among all the operas ever written, the one that can comfort them. It will be The Magic Flute.
Every piece of furniture and every toy in the room helps to tell the story, and the three companions play all the characters. Once the opera has been told, calm returns and the children can finally fall asleep.
Why this show?
The Magic Flute carries a whole dreamlike, fairy-tale world that delights children and adults alike: it is a wonderful gateway into opera. This adaptation also speaks to today’s concerns – equality between women and men, and how we grow up to become truly free.
A barrel organ for an orchestra
The orchestra is replaced by a 114-pipe chromatic barrel organ that stays as close as possible to Mozart’s score. Jonathan Mathis punches the music cards himself.
Magical costumes
Just three performers play eleven characters, thanks to costumes that transform before the audience’s eyes in a matter of seconds. Some are hidden in the set from the moment the curtain rises: the dragon lurks among the soft toys, Pamina’s dress forms a four-poster bed… Several costumes were made from second-hand clothes.
“No orchestra here – and that is yet another masterstroke: a barrel organ takes its place.” – Jean-Marie Cabot, Lyrica Massilia
“The pupils loved it – they laughed a lot and adored the costumes!” – a teacher, Forum de Berre
A production by Intim’Opéra
Photos: © fullyfunny
