“Facio voco Ferre!” The Genie’s powerful voice rang through the theater during the premiere of Maya and the Magic Ring on Friday, March 28. "Your wish is my command!" And just like that, the sleepy cat curled up on stage transformed into an opera-singing feline. Giggles filled the theater as the cat quickly claimed his royal status, making messes and demanding snacks. My daughter leaned in and whispered, "This show is about to be really good."
And she was right. Maya and the Magic Ring was the perfect introduction to opera for my daughters. At just 60 minutes, the show was the ideal length for young audiences. The room was filled with beautiful, unamplified singing—yes, these performers projected their voices effortlessly without microphones! A live orchestra, featuring a violin, cello, drum, clarinet, and conductor, provided the soundtrack. My youngest jumped in her seat when the Genie’s deep, booming voice was punctuated by the thunderous bass drum.
The show was almost entirely sung, with lyrics displayed in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a diverse audience. Each scene was thoughtfully designed to keep kids engaged, featuring relatable elements like pets, toys, and a nine-year-old protagonist navigating boredom at Grandma’s house. The costumes, especially for the Genie, the cat, and the unicorn, were vibrant and full of personality.
After the performance, there was a Q&A session where children could ask questions of the performers, composer, and librettist. It was fascinating to hear how the music was carefully composed to highlight each character’s unique personality.
Commissioned by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, this enchanting children’s production had its world premiere at the Polsky Theater and runs through April 12 at various locations. The story follows nine-year-old Maya, who, while spending a slow day at her grandmother’s house, discovers a ruby-red ring hidden in an old chest. When she rubs the ring, a magical Genie appears, offering her three wishes. But things don’t go as planned—her wish for her cat to talk and her toy unicorn to become a hero lead to unexpected chaos. In the end, Maya turns to her grandmother for help, learning a heartwarming lesson about contentment from the wise woman who never used her own final wish.
As the show wrapped up, the audience joined in for one last line together: “Be careful what you wish for.” A fitting reminder of the magical—and sometimes unpredictable—power of a wish.
Allie Cole is a former teacher turned stay-home-mom, who has never been to the opera before today. She is passionate about providing quality educational opportunities for her two daughters that will enrich their lives.