A ‘Magic Flute’ for the younger set

Dimitri Toscas’ reframing of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” into a broad-brush fairy-tale operetta is not as deft as his Rossini-inspired “Cinderella” of two years ago, but the appeal of his opera-flavored storytelling was evident at a recent matinee at the Falcon Theatre, where even very young children sat spellbound.

Retaining some elements of the epic fantasy, Toscas’ simple story of goodness rewarded receives a flashback telling by birdman Papageno (“MADtv” regular Paul C. Vogt), who joins handsome and modest young woodsman Tamino (Paul Dean) on a quest to liberate the captive sun from the jealous and greedy Queen of the Night (stage veteran Roberta B. Wall).

Along the way, they trap Monstra, a dangerous phoenix (slender, very unscary Karen Schnurr), whose response to an act of kindness will lead to her own transformation into Papageno’s long-sought-for “little darling, little wife.”

Tamino’s kind heart will win the affections of magical, mysterious maiden Pamina (Nicole Parker), who will join Tamino in undergoing three trials of courage, character and love in order to win the sun’s release.

On the downside, Toscas -- who, in addition to directing, did the musical adaptation and wrote the book and lyrics -- weighs his script too heavily with Papageno’s manic and oxygen-consuming comic dialogue. It’s part of Vogt’s character to natter on and on, but not every word is golden and despite genuinely humorous moments, Vogt frequently overwhelms the other characters.

Vocal strengths vary too, in the rendering of pretty musical snippets from the opera, transcribed, arranged and orchestrated by Raymond Schnurr. Dean and Wall give the most expressive and full-voiced performances; Parker’s light soprano voice, while lacking strength, offers a pleasing sweetness.

Lighting designer Steven Young, meanwhile, adds drama with his cool blues, bright yellows and fiery oranges and reds.

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‘The Magic Flute’

Where: Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank

When: Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m.

Ends: May 30

Price: $12; ages 12 and younger, $10

Contact: (818) 955-8101

Running time: 1 hour