DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE, Austad Auditorium, Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts, Weber State University, March 28; through March 30, tickets at 800-978-8456 or www.weberstatetickets.com; running time 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission

With its spoken dialogue and broad comedy, Die Zauberflöte is technically a Singspiel – a light work intended to entertain. And it certainly does do that. But Mozart’s music takes it to another level, and with its deft blend of comedy and drama Die Zauberflöte is in the same genre bending category as Don Giovanni.

But unlike Don Giovanni, there are many more layers at work in Die Zauberflöte, not the least of which is fantasy. It can be a stage director’s nightmare, but one would never guess that was the case in Weber State University’s current production of Mozart’s magical work.

Karen Brookens-Bruestle has done a wonderful job in bringing cohesiveness to a libretto that veers off into many different tangents. She succeeds in bringing the right blend of comedy and drama to the storytelling. And the comedy is never over the top as it too often is; it’s funny and it works. The pacing is also on the mark; the action moves along nicely and there are never any awkward moments.

Caleb Jardine as Tamino and Sydnee Ralph as Pamina (Photo Courtesy of Weber State University)

But none of this would work without a good cast, and the group of singers in this production delivers on all counts. One of the things that’s so enjoyable in a student production is the enthusiasm and excitement young singers bring to their performances; and that was certainly in evidence on opening night.

From the principals to the smaller roles, everyone gave a stand out performance. Singing and acting were excellent and everyone brought credibility to their characters.

Caleb Jardine (Tamino), Sydnee Ralph (Pamina) and Trenton Fordham (Papageno) were exceptional. Their singing was fluid and lyrical and they brought depth to their portrayals.

The Three Ladies (Catie Omer, Morgan Hopkins and Heidi Robinson) were wonderful. Each sings with lyrical expressiveness and they blended together perfectly.

As Sarastro, Kirk Stapley has the right vocal type and persona to bring out the dignity of the character. He has a richly modulated bass voice and sang his part with feeling.

Cheryl Davis as the Queen of the Night was quite remarkable. She sang her two coloratura roles with vocal dexterity and gave a convincing performance.

Trenton Fordham as Papageno and Arianne Hellewell as Papagena (Photo Courtesy of Weber State University)

Also notable were Monostatos (Austin Toney), Papagena (Arianne Hellewell) and the Three Spirits (Shannon Jones, Abigail Payne and Katherine Johnson).

Michael Palumbo conducts the Weber State Chamber Orchestra. Palumbo’s tempos are well chosen and tend to be on the brisk side occasionally, and on Thursday the ensemble played with nice articulation and execution.

The opera is sung in German with projected supertitles. The dialogue is in English.

The only double cast role is Pamina. Jessica Sant sings the role Friday and at the Saturday matinee.