The fanciful, symbol-laden Mozart opera “The Magic Flute” gets the look of a pop-up fairy tale book in a production designed by Gerald Scarfe. In L.A. Opera’s production, Nathan Gunn is one of two singers cast as the bird catcher Papageno. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Nathan Gunn’s Papageno had best watch his step around the Queen of the Night’s ladies-in-waiting, portrayed by, from left, Beth Clayton, Lauren McNeese and Tamara Wilson. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Marie Arnet is Pamina, daughter to the Queen of the Night, played by L’Ubica Vargicova. Other singers alternate in both roles as the L.A. Opera production continues through Jan. 25. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Fantastical creatures pull the chariot of the high priest Sarastro, portrayed here by Günther Groissböck, who alternates in the role. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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Prince Tamino, portrayed here by Matthew Polenzani, holds -- yes, you guessed it -- the magic flute as Nathan Gunn’s Papageno looks on. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Sarastro, as played by Gunther Groissböck,, at right, is shown with his gold-gowned retinue. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Satirical cartoonist Gerald Scarfe designed the sets and fanciful costumes. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Monostatos (Greg Fedderly) holds Pamina (Marie Arnet) prisoner. Break these chains. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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Nathan Gunn’s Papageno gets his feathers ruffled. L.A. Opera’s “The Magic Flute” is conducted by the company’s music director, James Conlon. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
The Queen of the Night (L’Ubica Vargicova) knows how to make an entrance. Prince Tamino (Matthew Polenzani) watches warily. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Everyone hopes for a story in which the romantic leads -- here, Tamino (Matthew Polenzani) and Pamina (Marie Arnet) -- head off into the sunset. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
