Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Apple Box Children’s Theater is excited to announce their upcoming performance of “The Magic Flute,” a (non-singing) adaptation of the Mozart Opera by Steven Foggell. The performances are free, July 10-12, 6 PM, at the outdoor stage next to Rice Auditorium at Western Oregon University.
“The Magic Flute” is an opera about Prince Tamino, who, aided by a magic flute and the bird-catcher Papageno, embarks on a quest to rescue Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, from the priest Sarastro. There are many silly plot twists and turns as the story unfolds. This comic story has monsters, dragons, talking rats, and quests.
Apple Box Children’s Theater, which originally was active in the 1970s and 1980s, has been a staple in the community in this form for over ten years. Run entirely by volunteers and supported by grants, Apple Box provides arts opportunities to children who might not otherwise have access to them.
This year, Apple Box has hired Central High School’s new theater director, Ally Warner, to direct. She has directed many shows, including CHS’s “The Lightning Thief.” Apple Box also employs two Western Oregon University students, Serio Palomar Solis and Grace Pedersen, to direct the show and oversee the high school students who are working backstage for the show. High school students are getting college credit for participating.
Part of Apple Box’s mission is to teach all parts of theater, so the younger students learn from the older ones, many of whom are alumni of Apple Box. Blake, a young actor in Apple Box, says, “I’ve been in and watching Apple Box for many years. It’s an amazing experience, pretending to be someone, dressing up, and making new friends! It inspires my everyday life, and everyone is really supportive. It’s been an amazing program that I hope continues for long after I leave, and gives kids the chance to be an actor and have fun!”
The upcoming performances, which are scheduled for July 10, 11, and 12 at 6 p.m., will be held at the outdoor stage at Leonard W. Rice Auditorium, 344 Knox St N., Monmouth. A special performance will be held at the Monmouth Amphitheater on July 3 at 12:30 pm as part of the 4th of July festival. ASL translated services will be available for the July 12th performance. Audience members should bring a lawn chair or blanket.
The Magic Flute performance is made possible in part by funding from the Polk County Cultural Coalition, fiscal sponsorship of the Humanities Division of Western Oregon University, and support from Central High School, the Western Oregon University Theatre Department, and local businesses.
For more information about Apple Box Children’s Theater, including how to get involved or make a donation, please visit their website.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
