The Magic Flute pushes director and actors out of comfort zone

An array of colorful lighting and vibrant costumes bring The Magic Flute to life in this one-of-a-kind theatrical performance opening Thursday, Nov. 14. Director and OC Theater Coordinator Anna Wilcox, challenged herself and the cast by introducing multiple elements of lighting, bending props, fog and special movement sequences.

“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.”

After graduating from OC, Wilcox took her new communications degree to Broomfield, Colorado where she recognized a distinct lack of accessible performing arts opportunities. Wilcox put her extensive background in theatre education and production to work to help her community. She founded Backstory Theatre as an organization that would bring affordable performing arts classes and productions to all members of the community. Rapid growth led to a process of restructuring, strategic planning and capacity building in order to transition the organization from its roots as a small but successful sole-proprietorship to an organization with a strong and active board of directors, highly-qualified key leadership staff and more capacity for growth.

​Twelve years after launching Backstory, Wilcox returned to the OC stage where she continues to foster her love for theater with young audiences.

The Magic Flute features three lead actors, all from Edmond, Oklahoma: Nicholas Rogers as Tamino, Laura Smethers as Pamina and Micah Burk as Queen of the Night. The cast includes twelve other students, senior flutist, Kelsey Ritchie and a small technical crew.

OC’s one-act version is based on Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute.” It was dramatized by June Walker Rogers into a condensed one-hour theatrical performance that caters to a family-friendly audience. The play centers on Prince Tamino; after fleeing from an evil serpent, he must prove himself worthy of Princess Pamina’s 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 and director.