Spring for the good seats. It's worth spending more to have a more immersive experience of The Magic Flute. This English-language, abridged version of the classic by Mozart has become a NYC holiday tradition.

The production is really lovely for the young, for the young at heart, and for anyone who can admire the music and the artistry that goes into the performance. Julie Taymor directed the premiere in 2004, designed the costumes, and co-designed the puppets.

The plot is absolutely bonkers (and even less comprehensible than usual when cut to a two-hour show) but that's not the point. The point is the beauty of the voices, dancing polar bears, flamingo ballerinas, love at first sight, spirits (members of the Met Children's Chorus) flying overhead, and an enchanting happy ending.

Take the kids, take the out of town visitor who wants to be dazzled a little bit, and take yourself to a fantastical, beautiful escape.

Website: https://www.metopera.org/season/2024-25-season/the-magic-flute/

Dates: December 12, 2024 through January 4, 2025

Address: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York

Telephone: 212.362. 6000