Before attending the rendition of Mozart’s Magic Flute presented by the University of Toledo’s Opera Ensemble, I had envisioned what I expected the opera to be like in a real life performance. What I had envisioned was definitely not what was portrayed on stage. In my mind, there would be slightly lavish costumes for each performer to better reflect Mozart’s original characterization of each role. There would also be dramatic lighting to accent the comical tale being told. I envisioned actors rushing on and off stage in a well rehearsed opera. What was instead portrayed was an impromptu audience interactive performance done by actors in all black costumes with minimal props.

I suppose I had over envisioned the performance in my head. In order