Music faculty, alums help Opera Mississippi bring Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’ to life at Mississippi College

At 13, Carroll Freeman appeared as the “First Boy” alongside legendary operatic soprano Beverly Sills in the New York City Opera’s production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” at the renowned Lincoln Center.

Almost six decades later, the adjunct music faculty member is helping to bring one of the world’s most famous musical stage productions to Mississippi College.

Opera Mississippi is scheduled to perform “The Magic Flute” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, in Swor Auditorium in Nelson Hall.

Freeman is serving as stage director for the production, a title that barely covers his complete role. The veteran musical performer also is designing the scenery, costumes, furniture and props for “The Magic Flute” and translating the dialogue and lyrics, among other responsibilities. The songs will be performed in the original German with English subtitles on screen, but all spoken dialogue will be in English.

“As a boy, I saw the opera in its most complete, ideal setting,” Freeman said. “I’ve been in love with it ever since. Now, Opera Mississippi is giving me the chance to share my vision of it.

“It will be interesting for the audience to see local talent involved in a professional production.”

Tyler Kemp ’07, ‘12, MC instructor in music and faculty accompanist, will play the piano during the opera. Two other MC alums will also have significant roles in the production: John Christopher Adams ’06, will perform as the Priest and the Armored Man; and Annalee Crawford ’22, ’24, will bring a Spirit to life. MC students were invited to audition for the chorus.

“For music students, seeing a recent MC Music alum like Annalee Crawford perform with a statewide professional opera company can be so inspiring,” said Ben Williams, MC professor and chair of music. “Hearing the maturity of a voice from an earlier alum like John Christopher Adams can encourage students about the longevity and potential of work in music.

“Likewise, watching current MC Music faculty Tyler Kemp perform in a central role on the piano can give students confidence in the incredible quality of their instructors.”

Williams said hosting Opera Mississippi on campus gives students a rare opportunity to see a full operatic performance up close, which is critical to understanding how music has shaped world culture for generations.

“In a way, shows such as this are like the big, blockbuster movies of earlier eras,” he said. “With acting, singing, costumes, stagecraft and orchestra, it’s a multisensory experience that is overwhelming to see in person.

“No matter how much we describe these events in a class or share a recording from an anthology, there is almost no comparison to the live experience of hearing operatic singing.”

“The Magic Flute” is considered Mozart’s greatest operatic success. A masterpiece of musical theatre, the story is a combination of serious and life-threatening situations combined with comedic moments and special effects. The family friendly production is a virtuous story of triumph, courage and wisdom overcoming evil.

“Some of the most familiar classical music comes from this opera,” Williams said, ‘such as the Queen of the Night’s aria, which will be immediately recognizable to almost anyone. As such, having Opera Mississippi partner with the Department of Music brings a rare opportunity to our campus community to enjoy one of the greatest works of art ever created.”

Freeman said the most enriching element of Mozart’s masterpiece will remain intact: “The blessing of that gorgeous music.”

“It’s a fantastic story that’s cuter than heavy grand opera,” he said. “I want people to enjoy the story, understand the moral play and relish the beautiful music.”

Ticket costs range from $30 to $75 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit operams.org/the-magic-flute.