GHC Opera Workshop presents ‘The Magic Flute’ this weekend

By Kat Bryant

Grays Harbor News Group

The Grays Harbor College Opera Workshop will present an abridged Mozart masterpiece this weekend.

“We are putting together a condensed, English-language version of W.A. Mozart’s fairytale opera ‘The Magic Flute’ — his last opera, considered by many to be his greatest, finished only three months before his death,” said workshop director Ian Dorsch.

The cast comprises about 35 singing actors — a mix of GHC students and members of the community. In addition, three musicians will play pivotal roles: Connie Bevington will provide the sound of the magic flute, Alex Eddy will create the sound of the magic bells on his keyboard, and Jessica Jurasin’s piccolo will represent Papageno’s pipes.

“The plot, as with most Mozart operas, is incredibly convoluted and difficult to summarize,” said Dorsch.

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As he explains it, the story begins when the prince Tamino (played by Ryan Urvina) is rescued from a magical serpent by the Three Ladies (Emma Dorsch, Jasmin Torres and Alexandra Koski). Tamino and Papageno (Jerrod Phelps) then are sent on a quest to rescue the princess Pamina (Danielle Tobin). Of course, things are seldom as they seem, and it soon becomes apparent that Tamino, Pamina and Papageno are caught up in a struggle between the forces of darkness and light.

The opera will be presented workshop-style with piano accompaniment by Kira Theine.

Dorsch noted that the custom projected backdrops were painted by the multitalented Analei Holt, who’s also playing the star-shimmering Queen of the Night.

Only two performances are scheduled. The curtain will rise at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Bishop Center for the Performing Arts, on the GHC campus. Tickets are $12, but children 12 and younger will be admitted free.

To buy tickets in advance, visit ghc.edu/bishop.

Tamino (Ryan Urvina) draws woodland creatures with the sound of the Magic Flute.

Tamino (Ryan Urvina) draws woodland creatures with the sound of the Magic Flute.

Monostatos (Matthew Kline, second from right) and his thugs try to capture Pamina (Danielle Tobin) and Papageno (Jerrod Phelps).

Monostatos (Matthew Kline, second from right) and his thugs try to capture Pamina (Danielle Tobin) and Papageno (Jerrod Phelps).

Photos by Kat Bryant | Grays Harbor News Group                                The Three Ladies (Alexandra Koski, Jasmin Torres and and Emma Dorsch) present the Magic Flute to Prince Tamino (Ryan Urvina).

Photos by Kat Bryant | Grays Harbor News Group The Three Ladies (Alexandra Koski, Jasmin Torres and and Emma Dorsch) present the Magic Flute to Prince Tamino (Ryan Urvina).

Sarastro (Jeff Beard) approaches Pamina (Danielle Tobin).

Sarastro (Jeff Beard) approaches Pamina (Danielle Tobin).

Papageno (Jerrod Phelps) pouts after being magically struck mute.

Papageno (Jerrod Phelps) pouts after being magically struck mute.

The Three Ladies (Alexandra Koski, Jasmin Torres and and Emma Dorsch) gather around the Queen of the Night (Analei Holt, center).

The Three Ladies (Alexandra Koski, Jasmin Torres and and Emma Dorsch) gather around the Queen of the Night (Analei Holt, center).