Mozart, Magic, and Frosty the Snowman!

This winter, the Windham Philharmonic invites families, children and the young at heart to experience Mozart's The Magic Flute — an opera filled with magic bells, daring adventures, silly jokes and unforgettable music — in a lively semi-staged production created especially for the Brattleboro Winter Carnival. This Magic Flute is easy to follow and full of surprises. Students from The Putney School appear as the three guiding spirits, helping steer the story and reminding everyone — onstage and off — that kids often see the truth more clearly than adults. Expect movement, theatrical fun and plenty to delight first-time opera-goers. The story includes princes and princesses, mysterious villains, enchanted instruments and a lovable bird-catcher named Papageno. And (don't tell anyone) Papagena turns out to be the Queen of the Night in disguise! Perfect for families, curious kids and anyone who thinks opera might not be for them, The Magic Flute is playful, welcoming and full of wonder. The adult cast features well-known Mozart singers Nellie Rustick, Roseanne Ackerley, Aaron Engebreth, Charles Martin, Jenna Rae, Alan Schneider, and Mary Westbrook-Geha — artists with strong Vermont ties through their affiliation with The United Nations of Dramatic Voices (TUNDI). Frosty the Snowman, beloved mascot of the Winter Carnival, will join the fun. Frosty is pleased to make his operatic debut with the Windham Philharmonic. We offer three performances: February 21 at 2 p.m. at the Latchis Theatre, 50 Main St., Brattleboro, Vt. February 22 at 2 p.m. at The Putney School, 418 Houghton Brook Rd., Putney, Vt. February 23 at 7 p.m. at the Latchis Theatre, 50 Main St., Brattleboro, Vt. Admission is by donation at the door.