pipe dream

'Manic dream' Magic Flute blends live action and projections at Houston Grand Opera

HGO's version of The Magic Flute blends projections and live action.

Photo courtesy of Houston Grand Opera

Opera has long memories, with many of its productions dating back hundreds of years. This month, one of those hundreds-year-old operas gets a fresh look at Houston Grand Opera. Mozart's The Magic Flute takes the stage February 4 through 13 in an exciting new production, first created by Komische Oper Berlin.

The opera is the story of Prince Tamino, who sets off a quest with a bird catcher named Papageno. Their mission: rescue Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night.

Along the way, they'll have to overcome evil to uncover the truth. This rendition of the opera incorporates live performance with a magical animated world.

Inspired by silent films, it will feature projections that augment the scenic and lighting design. The Guardian called it "a visually stunning production" that unfolded like "a manic dream." When the production rolled into the Perth Festival in 2019, it sold out so fast, they extended the run. It was lauded for its spectacular visuals that added a dazzling element to the story.

One of the most instantly recognizable arias in all of opera is the majestic, thrilling Queen of the Night aria, with it's stratospheric high F and vocal acrobatics. It comes in the second act of this Mozart masterpiece.

Singing it will be rising soprano Rainelle Krause in her HGO debut. Joining her onstage are Norman Reinhardt as Tamino, Andrea Carroll as Pamina, Thomas Glass as Papageno, and Anthony Robin Schneider as Sarastro/Speaker. Dame Jane Glover conducts.

Tickets range from $20 to $210. For more information and tickets, visit the official site.

opera

taking center stage

Stage adaptation of iconic Black movie Jason's Lyric to debut in Houston

Courtesy of Jason's Lyric

Most of the movie's cast will appear in the play.

Next year, Houston writer/producer/director/promoter Je’Caryous Johnson will be bringing another beloved Black movie to the live stage.

Jason’s Lyric will join New Jack City and Set It Off in the lineup of ‘90s Black-movie favorites that Johnson has adapted for the stage. The 1994 made-in-Houston drama stars Allen Payne and a pre-Will Smith Jada Pinkett as young lovers trying to maintain a relationship as conflicts and obstacles keep getting in the way.

Jason’s Lyric Live will go on a nationwide, 22-city tour, premiering right here in H-Town on Thursday, February 13 — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“Houston is my home, and bringing Jason’s Lyric Live to life here first is my way of paying homage to the city and its people who inspired this story,” Johnson said in a statement. “This is more than a play; it’s a love letter to the community.”

Payne will reprise his role as Jason, with actress/model Eva Marcille stepping in Pinkett’s role as Lyric. Naughty by Nature rapper Treach, who played Lyric’s criminal big brother Alonzo in the movie, will also return to the role for the stage production. Tyrin Turner (Menace II Society), K. Michelle (Love & Hip Hop), and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Welcome Back, Kotter) will round out the cast.

"Jason’s Lyric is one of the films that defined my career as an actor,” Payne said. “To bring it to life on stage for audiences who loved the movie — and a new generation experiencing it for the first time — is an incredible honor."

Marcille is also psyched for the show, taking on the role that Pinkett memorably brought to life. "Lyric is a character who embodies resilience and hope, and I’m honored to bring her story to life on stage,” Marcille said.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, December 13, at 10 am. For a full list of dates and ticket information, visit the website.