Snake Auditions for Mozart Opera Adaptation at Metropolitan Opera
A carnival performer-turned-opera actor evaluates snakes for a starring role.
1Snake Auditions at the Met
The Metropolitan Opera in New York is holding auditions for an unusual role—a snake to appear in an upcoming adaptation of Mozart's 'Così fan tutte.' Zoe Ziegfeld, a carnival performer-turned-opera actor, is in charge of selecting the reptilian star. The snake will briefly take center stage in this 1950s Coney Island-inspired version of the classic opera.
2The Selection Process
Ziegfeld evaluates each snake by letting it slither and wrap around them, then hoisting it overhead to rehearse its stage performance. The key criteria are the snake's comfort with people and its demeanor. 'I need to know that the animal is comfortable with what we are doing,' Ziegfeld said. The audition process ensures the snake can perform under bright lights in front of an audience.
3Meet Princess, the Star
A boa constrictor named Princess won the role due to her larger size and strong visual presence. Ziegfeld described her as 'a wonderful snake' with a yellow-peach coloration. A slightly smaller brown boa named Nala was chosen as her understudy. The trial rehearsals will focus on Ziegfeld's strength and ability to handle Princess during performances.
4The Opera's Unique Twist
This adaptation of Mozart's 1790 opera retains the original plot—two soldiers testing their lovers' fidelity—but sets it in a 1950s Coney Island carnival. The vibrant scenery and sideshow performers, including the snake charmer, add a fresh twist. Ziegfeld has played the snake charmer role twice before in this production.
5Ziegfeld's Unconventional Background
Ziegfeld's carnival roots make them perfect for the role. They performed eight snake-charming shows daily on Coney Island and even demonstrated their sideshow skills by hammering a nail into their nasal cavity during auditions. 'The music’s different, the money is different, but the thrill of entertaining is the same,' Ziegfeld said.
6Animals in Opera
Animals are not uncommon at the Met. Nancy Novograd of All Tame Animals, who provided the snakes, got her start when her horse appeared in 'Carmen.' Her company supplies everything from elephants to insects for productions. For this role, the snakes needed the right color, size, and personality to match Ziegfeld's performance.
7The Human-Animal Dynamic
Novograd emphasized that animals, like human performers, must demonstrate specific behaviors or simply get along with their handlers. In this case, the snakes had to be comfortable with Ziegfeld and the stage environment. 'They have to be the right color, size, and Zoe has to like them,' Novograd explained.
8Why This Matters
This story highlights the creativity and logistical challenges of live theater. Casting a snake in an opera blends artistry with unconventional talent, showcasing how traditional performances can innovate. It also underscores the importance of animal handlers like Ziegfeld and Novograd in bringing unique visions to life.
Original article: Fortune — Snake Auditions for Mozart Opera Adaptation at Metropolitan Opera