The Matchbox Magic Flute
ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY MARY ZIMMERMAN
BASED ON MOZART’S OPERA
IN ASSOCIATION WITH GOODMAN THEATRE
WEST COAST PREMIERE
RODA THEATRE
OCT 18–DEC 8, 2024
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Theatrical powerhouse Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses, The Arabian Nights, The White Snake) triumphantly returns to Berkeley Rep with a mesmerizing English language adaptation of Mozart’s iconic Magic Flute, using only 10 singers and five musicians. Join Tamino on a daring quest to rescue the captive princess Pamina. Encounter dragons, birdmen, and trials by fire in this enchanting microcosm of wonder where magic and music intertwine. Hailed as “a box of treasures, a haze of marvels, a banquet of dreams,” by The Chicago Reader, The Matchbox Magic Flute will transport you to realms of imagination and wonder.
Production information
Age recommendation: Suitable for ages 10 and up
Mary Zimmerman returns with The Matchbox Magic Flute
Cast
(in order of appearance)
Reese Parish | The Spirit
Billy Rude* | Tamino
Lauren Molina* | First Lady, Papagena
Monica West* | Second Lady (through Nov 10)
Ann Delaney* | Second Lady (as of Nov 12)
Tina Muñoz-Pandya | Third Lady
Shawn Pfautsch* | Papageno
Emily Rohm* | Queen of the Night
Russell Mernagh* | Monostatos, Armored Guard
Marlene Fernandez* | Pamina
Fernando Watts | Sarastro, Armored Guard
Understudies
(in alphabetical order)
Alicia Berneche | Second Lady, Queen of the Night
Daryn Whitney Harrell* | The Spirit, Third Lady
Josh Houghton* | Papageno
Nathan Karnik | Sarastro
Elliott Litherland* | Tamino, Monostatos, Armored Guard
Emma Rosenthal* | First Lady, Papagena, Pamina
Musicians
Sheela Ramesh | Associate Music Director, Conductor and Piano, Keyboard Glockenspiel
Ellie Falaris Ganelin | Flute / Piccolo
Brietta Greger | Percussion
Joshua Mikus-Mahoney | Cello
Christina Walton | Violin
Creative team
Mary Zimmerman | Adaptor and Director
Todd Rosenthal | Scenic Design
Ana Kuzmanić | Costume Design
T.J. Gerckens | Lighting Design
André Pluess | Sound Design, Music Adapter and Arranger
Amanda Dehnert | Music Director, Music Adapter and Arranger
Charles G. LaPointe | Wig and Hair Design
Marne Anderson* | Stage Manager
Sofie Miller* | Assistant Stage Manager
* Indicates a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States
Musicians in this production are members of Musicians United Local 6, American Federation of Musicians
Closed captioning
Closed captioning on your smartphone is available for the following performances: evenings Oct 25, 27, 29, 30, and Nov 7; and every matinee through Nov 24. See all closed captioning performances.
Audio description
Audio description is available for the matinee on Nov 30. Through individual headphones provided by our partner, Gravity Access, you’ll hear detailed narration of the onstage visual elements of the show. Advance reservation required.
Learn more about our accessibility programs
Events and extras
Halloween Costume Bash
Seeking a delightfully eerie and free escapade this Halloween? Join us for our Halloween Costume Bash! Step into our very own Narsai M. David Courtyard before the Oct 25 performance of The Matchbox Magic Flute, where the air will be filled with the sounds of laughter and music. Savor themed treats and potions and grasp a chance to win magical prizes in our costume contest! Doors creak open at 6:30pm. This event is free with RSVP required. Admission to the evening’s performance of The Matchbox Magic Flute requires a ticket.
Postshow discussions
Join us after the show on Nov 1, Nov 14, or Nov 19 for a postshow discussion, expertly guided by members of Berkeley Rep’s artistic team.
Docent-led postshow discussions
Join your fellow audience members after all matinees for a thought-provoking postshow discussion led by our knowledgeable docents.
Health and safety
Masks will be required in our theatres on Sunday and Tuesday performances for the first three weeks of a show’s run. Masks are encouraged but optional on all Wednesday through Saturday performances, as well as Sundays and Tuesdays after the first three weeks of performances. Visit our health and safety page for full details.
Original photos by Liz Lauren