UALR Opera Theatre presents a new performing version of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”, written by director Edward Crafts, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 30, and 3 p.m. Sunday, May 2.

Dr. Bevan Keating, music director of the UALR Opera Theatre, conducts soloists, orchestra and chorus for the performances at Wildwood Park for the Arts.

The opera is suitable for all audiences. General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students or children. Premium seating, including a champagne reception, is available for $25. For ticket information, please call the Music Department Box Office at 501-569-8993.

This contemporary English translation of Mozart’s classic is set in the New York subways.

“The Magic Flute is a classic tale of good and evil, light and dark, so I thought that urban tunnels were a perfect setting to begin this story,” Crafts said. “Later scenes move to an airy corporate atrium, which will underline the contrast. In The Magic Flute, Mozart created some fun characters that immediately appeal to children, but his music is so sublime that it will charm even the most sophisticated music-lover.”

The UALR cast of singers includes Jeremy Kinchen of Little Rock and James Wafford of Sherwood alternating in the role of Prince Tamino, with Melanie Chapman and Jacqueline Forrester of Little Rock as the object of his affection, Pamina. Sarah Jane Kershaw and Shaina Erwin, both of Little Rock, share the role of the Queen of the Night.

In the UALR version the Queen leads a female gang, whose members are played by Katie Burrall or Roland, Erica Finnie of Judsonia; and Regina Gallucci, Satia Spencer, and Jessica Williams, all of Little Rock.

Beau Humble of Little Rock and Memory Apata of Maumelle are the bird-like couple Papageno and Papagena, Phillip Murray of Little Rock sings Sarastro, while Jansen Goodwin of Little Rock is his Chief of Security, Monostatos. Luke Angelo of Little Rock and Kevin Ezell of Jacksonville are heard as two firefighters.

Three local high-school students – Rachel Manasco from Lisa Academy, Elizabeth Riddick from Little Rock Central High School, and Shannon Rookey from Parkview Magnet High School – join the UALR cast as three guides.