Adapted and Directed By Mary Zimmerman
“Charming, zany, fun and abundantly imaginative.”
– Chicago Sun-Times
The Matchbox Magic Flute
Feb 10 – Mar 24, 2024 in Goodman's Owen Theatre
Around 2 hours including a 15 minute intermission.
Extended a 2ND time Through March 24!
In her acclaimed signature style, Mary Zimmerman conceives a brand new theatrical adaptation of Mozart’s beloved opera.
Playful and imaginative, it’s big music in a small space. This “matchbox” presentation of The Matchbox Magic Flute features a cast of 10 and orchestra of five—following the fantastic adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina. With dragons, a man who is a bird, trials by fire and water and underground corridors, Day and Night do battle.
Mozart composed Symphony No. 1 in E Flat Major at the age of eight. Feel free to bring your 8+ year-old little geniuses to the show.
Performed in English.
The QUEEN OF THE NIGHT has stolen PRINCE TAMINO’s heart—and ours.
Catch a scene from The Matchbox Magic Flute and join us for “a chance to see Mary Zimmerman’s magic up close.” (Chicago Tribune)
Watch footage from The Matchbox Magic Flute and see why the Chicago Sun-Times calls it “charming, zany, fun and abundantly imaginative.”
(Standing, L-R) Tina Muñoz Pandya, Lauren Molina, Monica West and Russell Mernagh. (On ground) Billy Rude. Photo by Liz Lauren
(L-R) Tina Muñoz Pandya, Shawn Pfautsch, Reese Parish, Emily Rohm, Monica West and Lauren Molina. Photo by Liz Lauren
(L-R) Marlene Fernandez, Keanon Kyles, Lauren Molina and Reese Parish. Photo by Liz Lauren
(L-R) Russell Mernagh, Dave Belden and Emily Rohm. Photo by Liz Lauren
(Back, L-R) Russell Mernagh and Keanon Kyles. (Front, L-R) Billy Rude and Marlene Fernandez. Photo by Liz Lauren
Artists
Audiences are in Awe
“Magic Flute is my favorite opera, and this production of the story did not disappoint.”
Margaret H. via Email
“It’s a delight! Zimmerman scores again with imagination and charm.”
Marilyn C. via Facebook
“What a wonderful show and cast of extremely talented actors!! Well done.”
@mikerude0711 via Instagram
“The highest compliment I can give a performance is to say “Get a ticket…Get a ticket!””
Corrine M. via Email
“See it twice! It’s so NICE!”
Giovanni R. via Facebook
“Saw it really fun. As a Traditional opera singer my whole life I experienced it as a romp and reinvention of the art form.”
@emmaria_0812 via Instagram
Critical Praise
“A box of treasures, a haze of marvels and a banquet of dreams.”
Chicago Reader
“A magical Mozart in miniature.”
Chicago Theatre Review
“Kuzmanic’s costumes are all like stories in their own right.”
Chicago Tribune
“’Matchbox Magic Flute’ transforms Mozart’s classic, taking it to fabulous new heights.”
Chicago Sun-Times
“A feast of fabulous shenanigans.”
Chicago Reader
“There’s something especially cool about Zimmerman shrinking an allegorical Mozart opera down to 10 performers and a five-piece orchestra.”
Chicago Tribune
Special Events
High Tea at the Goodman
Saturday, March 2 at 12pm
Before you start your journey into an enchanting afternoon of music and wonder, relax with tea and conversation as we learn more about the fantastical world of opera.
Join us for any of the following accessible & enhanced performances.
Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.
Learn More About Goodman’s Accessible & Enhanced Performances.
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, March 22 at 7:30pm
Use code SIGN for $30 tickets
Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Sunday, March 3
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $30 tickets
Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, March 9 at 7:30pm
Use code SPANISH for $30 tickets
Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, March 10 at 2:00pm
Use code OPEN for $30 tickets
FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SUSAN V. BOOTH
“I’ve learned that when Mary Zimmerman says, ‘there’s this idea that’s obsessing me,’ it’s worth one’s time to pay attention. This time around, what she has conceived is a deeply intimate imagining of The Magic Flute. This new little dream of an opera is being built for a range of ages, ears and eyes.” –SVB
The Rest of the 2023/2024 Season
Experience heart-pounding spectacle next door to a laugh-out-loud debutante ball. A fresh take on a centuries-old tale and a modern true story with a thrilling twist. From a hilarious new musical to a major revival, you’ll find familiar and new voices in Artistic Director Susan V. Booth’s first Goodman season—plays that celebrate the mess and magic of us all.
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