Local Performers To Present 'The Magic Flute'
Several From Area Featured in Sault Production

"The Magic Flute," Mozart's musical fairy tale of good versus evil, will be presented at the Sault Theater Arts Resource Studios (STARS) in Sault Ste. Marie at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28, Friday, June 29, and Saturday, June 30.

The musical will feature several local performers, including Karen Hughes of Pickford, Ashley Kasper of Hessel, Emily Couling and James Couling of Kincheloe, Elizabeth Jacobus of Rudyard, Scott and Ashley Blasing of Fibre, Richard Morrison of Pickford, Sally Schremp or Brimley, and Laura Ailing, Shirley Wilkinson, and Maureen Delaney-Lehman, all of Sault Ste. Marie. Mrs. Delaney- Lehman is a member of the Lake Superior State University (LSSU) faculty in Sault Ste. Marie, and LSSU students Gary Van Lue and Lola Kennedy will also perform in the show.

Ms. Hughes, a professional opera singer, harpist, and STARS faculty member, is directing the show, which will be performed at the Soo Theater at 534 Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie.

"The Magic Flute" is about the adventures of Prince Tamino, who is aided by Papageno, as he faces trials of courage, honor, and steadfastness. A magic flute and some magical bells guide them on their journey.

Ms. Hughes recruited other professional performers for the show, including Chauncey Packer of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jason Kaminski of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Packer and Mr. Kaminski are staying in Pickford while they rehearse for and perform "The Magic Flute."

Ms. Hughes will play Princess Pamina. She lives in Pickford while performing opera and concert work nationwide throughout the year. She has had leading roles in the operas "Cosi Fan Tutte," "Madama Butterfly," "Die Fledermaus," "Carmen," and "The Marriage of Figaro," among others. She performs regularly with the Sault Symphony Orchestra in Michigan and Ontario, and has performed with the Tianjin Symphony in Beijing, China. She was a regional finalist in the prestigious Metropolitan Opera National Competition.

The chorus of local voices and several dance students is backed by the Sault Symphony Orchestra of Ontario, under the direction of John Wilkinson.

Tickets are available at the Soo Theater box office and by calling (906) 632-1930 for more information.