The 90-Minute Magic Flute

Mozart’s “Magic Flute” cut down and performed in English at the Met? “Is the cut-down, 90-minute version a first step at commercializing the Met? Some opera purists may think so. But the plan has merit. That even the brightest children have limited attention spans is a given. A family version of “The Magic Flute” at the Met would have to be done right, though. Will the run be presented at family times (matinees and early evenings), and, more important, at family prices? In principle, this is a good idea.”