OC invites community to a one-act version “The Magic Flute” Nov. 15-16

Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available

November 7, 2019 - The Oklahoma Christian University Theater Company invites the community to the one-act play “The Magic Flute” on Nov. 15-16. An array of colorful lighting and vibrant costumes bring the show to life as actors prepare to put on a one-of-a-kind theatrical performance.

OC’s one-act version is based on Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute” was dramatized by June Walker Rogers into a condensed one-hour theatrical performance that caters to a family-friendly audience. The play begins with Prince Tamino who, after saving Princess Pamina from an evil serpent o, must prove himself worthy of her love through a series of tests of fire and water. With the help of a magic flute and the comical character Papageno, Tamino and Pamina successfully endure the trials. 

At the end of the show, there will be a 20-minute question-and-answer session with the cast. 

OC Theater Coordinator Anna Wilcox has challenged herself and the cast with a new production mindset for this specific performance. 

“This show is completely different from anything I’ve ever done,” Wilcox said. “It has made us think outside the box by challenging us. The audience will enjoy all the technical aspects of the show.” 

The show includes a variety of lighting elements, fog machines and special movement sequences with bending props. 

Wilcox graduated from OC with a degree in communication. After performing and establishing Backstory Youth Theater in Denver, Colorado, Wilcox returned to OC in 2018 to coordinate theater, and she continues to foster her love for youth theater. 

The production will feature three leads from Edmond, Oklahoma: Nicholas Rogers as Prince Tamino, Laura Smethers as Pamina and Micah Burk as Queen of the Night. Twenty other students also are in the cast. In addition, senior flutist, Kelsey Ritchie, also from Edmond, will perform live music for the actor playing Tamino to mimic throughout various scenes and a small technical crew will run special effects to bring the show together.

Senior Brielle Koelsh, from Tuttle, Oklahoma, plays one of the three ladies sent by the Queen of the Night to rescue Prince Tamino and ensures he has what he needs to help the princess. 

“I think Ethan [playing the role of Papageno] is absolutely fantastic, and he’s a great comedic element to the story,” Koelsh said. “Reactions from the audience give us actors the energy to perform, which in turn allows us to put on a great show.”

There will be three productions of “The Magic Flute” at OC in Judd Theater: Nov. 15 at 7 p.m, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. and Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children. Groups of 10 or more get in for $5 per person. Tickets are available online at https://www.oc.edu/events/the-magic-flute, via phone at 405-425-6310 or at the OC box office in the Garvey Center. Groups of 10 or more can make reservations by contacting Anna Wilcox at anna.wilcox@oc.edu.