Kimmel Center Welcomes The Salzburg Marionettes March 18-20
With Performances of The Magic Flute & A Midsummer Night’s Dream
February 23, 2004
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
For 90 years the Salzburg Marionette Theater has been presenting famous works of opera, ballet, and drama through the astonishing art of marionette puppetry. Performed in opulent, baroque sets and exquisite costumes, the Salzburg Marionette Theater considers itself a small opera house, rather than children’s theater, although it can be a wonderful way to introduce young audiences to great opera. Opera lovers will find their favorite music and characters are even more enchanting when interpreted by the masterful and delicate Old-World technique of the puppeteers. The two-foot tall, carved wooden puppets accomplish physical feats with movements so fluid and gestures so expressive they appear to be live performers. "These little figures illuminate the stage in ways you wouldn't think possible." (The Los Angeles Times)
From Mozart’s ominous opening chords to the brilliant final chorus, The Magic Flute is a fantastical adventure following Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina as they remain true to their love for each other, amidst a world inhabited by mysterious sorcerers, giant flowers, and creatures who are half-bird/half-human. The Salzburg Marionette Theater’s production features special effects of lightning and fire, an 18th-century version of a flying machine, and a breathtaking portrayal of the Queen of the Night.
Mendelssohn’s music accompanies Shakespeare’s much-loved A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which the passions of four young lovers get hilariously tangled after the fairy Puck places a magic juice on their slumbering lids. Meanwhile, during a feud between fairies, Oberon uses the potion against his queen, Titania, and causes her to fall in love with Bottom the donkey. The magic of the Marionettes portrays perfectly this story of illusions and dreams.
The Salzburg Marionette Theater has been in existence since 1913 and has become world famous not only through its 160 annual performances in its home theater in Salzburg, Austria, but also through countless international tours. World-class artists, directors, and stage designers return time and again to work with the Marionettes.
Tickets for this performance are $28 and $43, and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at www.kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center box office, open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings. For group sales call 215-790-5883.
A limited number of $10 tickets will be available for every Kimmel Center Presents performance. $10 tickets go on sale the day of the event and can be purchased at the Kimmel Center box office beginning at 5:30pm for evening performances and 11:30am for matinees. Limit one per person.
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