KL City Opera’s latest production, Young Mozart Voyager, transported audiences on a magical journey through music, time, and imagination. Staged at The Platform in Menara KEN TTDI, this original English-language pantomime reimagined scenes from The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute — two of Mozart’s most beloved operas — in a light-hearted, accessible format designed to engage young audiences and newcomers to opera.
The story follows a weary Mozart, who is magically swept into the world of his own operas. Along the way, he meets Figaro, Susanna, Cherubino, Tamino, Pamina — and the ever-hopeful Papageno, who dreams of finding his Papagena. Children in the audience were especially delighted by the playful exchanges between Mozart (Qahar Aqilah) and Papageno (Adry Nasution), enthusiastically cheering him on in his quest for love and erupting in joy when Papagena finally appears. The audience also joined in guessing games, responded to musical cues, and even booed the Queen of the Night — making for an unusually interactive and spirited opera experience.
Adding to the magic were the delightful young performers from KLCO’s Opera for Kids and Teens workshop, who played their roles with great enthusiasm as villagers in Count Almaviva’s household, floating spirits in the realm of The Magic Flute, and as the adorable baby Papagenos and Papagenas in the joyous finale. Their presence brought a heartwarming authenticity and youthful energy to the production, reinforcing KLCO’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of opera lovers and performers.
While attendance was modest, the energy in the theatre was heartfelt. The performance struck a beautiful balance of music, humour, and storytelling, proving that opera can be both meaningful and approachable for all ages.
The production was directed by Danny Chen, with a cleverly crafted script developed by Danny and supported by Tarrant Kwok in editing and formatting. The immersive video design and visual elements — created with the help of AI tools — blended classical inspiration with digital-age creativity. Musical direction by Elaine Toon and Alice Ang brought Mozart’s music vividly to life with elegance and clarity.
Special appreciation goes to Eagle Lee for his poetic and visually striking lighting design, JJ Tan for crisp and immersive sound engineering, and Dominique Devorsine with Anne Wee Litza for costumes that made every scene a visual delight — from noble courts to enchanted forests.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our venue partner, The Platform at Menara KEN TTDI, and to Emperor Palace for furnishing the stage with their exquisite Priscilla collection. Deepest gratitude goes to Yayasan Lim Yee Hoh for sponsoring children from the Dignity Foundation, whose joyful presence reminded us all of why the arts matter — to inspire, to include, and to imagine.
CAST
Mozart – Qahar Aqilah
Papageno – Adry Nasution
Cherubino & Papagena – Natalie Makulin
Susanna – Cheryl Chitty Tan
Queen of the Night – Irma Lailatul
Countess Rosina Almaviva – Renna Kim
Count Almaviva – Cao Yixiao
Pamina – Sharlene Rani
Tamino – Thompson Yunga
Figaro – Wynn Ch’ng
Servants & Henchmen – Andrew Lai, Isa Zamiri
Servants & Henchwomen – Maira Addin, Helen Long
Villagers, Spirits, Baby Papagenos/Papagenas – Children of KLCO's Opera for Kids and Teens Workshop
PRODUCTION TEAM
Stage Director – Danny Chen Heng Siong
Script Development – Danny Chen Heng Siong, with editing support by Tarrant Kwok
Music Directors – Elaine Toon, Alice Ang
Costume Designers – Dominique Devorsine, Anne Wee Litza
Lighting Designer – Eagle Lee
Sound Engineer – JJ Tan
Stage Manager – Tarrant Kwok
Stage Crew – Hamidon
Follow-Spot Operators – Liau Shen Yuan, Liew Xuan He
Video Design – Danny Chen Heng Siong, Hailuo AI
Make-Up – Eunice Ng, Chic Vogue Make-Up & Hair Studio
Front-of-House Team – Max Tong, Hao Jie, Afiq, Chiou Fong, Valerie
📸 Photo credit: Mr Goh Bong Hiang & Ms Connie Chan
