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MNfusion: Minnesota Opera Revives 2014 Production Of 'The Magic Flute'

Minnesota Native Andrew Wilkowske Discusses His Role As Pagageno

In 2014 the Minnesota Opera performed "The Magic Flute."

It wasn't unusual for the company to perform Mozart's masterpiece, but it was an unusual production.

In addition to beautiful singers, a lyrical score and fun costumes, this production added the element of animation.

Brightly colored images of hand drawn characters and scenery danced across the set as the singers told the story of love and the pursuit of happiness.

The production, created by Komische Oper Berlin and the British theater group 1927 in 2012, broke the Minnesota Opera's box office records with the amount of tickets sold.

The show was so popular, in fact, that the company decided to bring it back for a limited revival. Many of the cast readily agreed to come back, including Minnesota native Andrew Wilkowske.

Wilkowske, who will be reprising his role as Papageno for the 2015 run, spoke with me about the production and why it is so popular among audiences.

"The Magic Flute"
(The Minnesota Opera's "The Magic Flute." | credit: Dan Norman)

What made you want to reprise the role of Papageno in this particular production of "The Magic Flute?"

Wilkowske: It was just so much fun the first time around, I couldn't resist another chance to don my green suit!

That's as good of a reason as any! So, aside from the green suit, what is your favorite thing about playing this character?

Wilkowske: Papageno is so full of heart. He is an absolute joy to play. He is the audience's way in to the story -- how they can relate to the other characters. Besides, the original Papageno was played by the librettist Emanuel Schikaneder, so he gave himself all the best lines!

So not only do you get to help the audience understand the story but you get the best lines? Sounds like a win-win! Tell me, what is your favorite scene in the show?

Wilkowske: Hmm, that's a tough one. I think that the duet between Pamina and Papageno might be my favorite. Amid all sorts of chaos, they have a quiet little duet expressing their desire to find love [and] that the power of love helps them reach the height of godliness. The duet with Papagena is also a favorite of mine and the audience. It's just rollicking, silly fun!

It sounds like there are a lot of fun moments in this show. Among them, I would assume, is the use of animation, although I'm sure that's not without its challenges. What has been the most challenging thing about acting to animation? What do you like best about it?

Wilkowske: The most challenging thing is the timing; the animation keeps moving whether you remember to do your moves or not! My favorite part of the animation is my pet cat, Karl-Heinz. He never forgets his lines, always shows up on time and never acts inappropriately in rehearsal.

What do you think adding the animation to the production does to enhance the story?

Wilkowske: It transforms the stage into an infinite world of possibilities. It's definitely the most magic "Magic Flute" I've ever been a part of. Truly anything can -- and does – happen. We get chased by dragons, transformed into butterflies and leap tall buildings!

"The Magic Flute" At The Minnesota Opera
("The Magic Flute" at the Minnesota Opera. | credit: Dan Norman)

It sounds like the animation adds just the right touch of magic to the show. So, why do you think audiences have connected with this particular production so strongly?

Wilkowske: When I first saw a video clip of this production, my jaw dropped. I had never seen anything like that -- the combination of live action and animation in an onstage setting. I knew that if I had that sort of reaction to it, audiences would have a similar response. That and, of course, the utter beauty of Mozart's score.

That is probably what has kept this show a favorite among audiences for all these centuries. So, being a native Minnesotan, how is performing in Minnesota different than other cities?

Wilkowske: There's a great appreciation for the arts here and a high level of sophistication. [Minnesotans] know good music and good theater when they see it. That brings with it a sort of fearlessness as well. They are able to accept something totally radical and new. To be such a success here is really special. I'm a very proud Minnesotan and am even prouder of our opera company. Minnesota Opera has been on the cutting edge of the opera world for years, commissioning new operas like "Silent Night" and introducing American audiences to bold new productions like this "Magic Flute."

"The Magic Flute" is open now through Nov. 22 at The Ordway. Tickets cost $25 to $200. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit The Minnesota Opera online.

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