T4e MA*fc Ptok A NightattheOperaCame toLU

By JulieCozby and SarahPollak

W. A.Mozart's"lastgreatopera" was Liberty'sNight at the Opera

The Liberty University Opera Workshop presented "The Magic Flute," directed by Dr. Wayne Kompelien.Accordingto Kompelien, this was thefirst timeLiberty was abletoput on this difficult production.

"Youhavetohaveanincredible cast to do this opera," he said. "We've gota tremendous bunch of singers."

Theninemaincharactersand a small chorus were all played by students. The group rehearsed several hours a week beginning in early September until the Novemberproduction.

"The Magic Flute," a singspiel, is a German form of opera with spoken dialogue. Kompelien described it as lightheartedandhumorouswithmusic that theaudience "will absolutely love."

Theoperawasabouta prince tryingtofreehislove, who was held captive by the slave Monostatos. In his travels, the heroofthe storymet up withan eccentric birdman,threefairies and theQueen ofthe Night.

Comedy andinterestingcharacters filled the play.Kompelien recommended that the audience watchfor the traditionalfavorite character,Papageno,alsoknown asthe birdman. "Amidstallthis romance Mozart plugs inthis goofy character."

Some of the cast members said thatthey didn't like opera verymuch until theytrieditfor themselves. Victor Norstrude, who played the part ofSarastro, saidhewanted to singin an op- era because of the vocal benefits of performing.

According to Kera O'Bryon, who played the Queen of the Night, most studentshaveamisconceptionaboutopera that pre- vents them from enjoyingit "When peoplethinkofopera they usually picture this big, burlyblondewoman withthick, fakebraids and horns," O'Bryon said. "That'snot whatitisatall."