An exciting journey to a fantasy land created by Mozart awaits patrons in a performance Tuesday of the famed composer's "The Magic Flute," at the Averitt Center for the Arts.
      There are dragons, spirits, enchanted animals and bird-people in a land where there is an evil queen, a kidnapped princess, a handsome prince and, of course, the magic flute. But love and goodness triumph over hatred and evil in Mozart's fairy-tale opera.
      "The Magic Flute" takes to the Emma Kelly stage Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for youth.
Presented by Peach State Opera, the production is a fully-staged, English language version that runs less than two hours.
      Directed by Michael McConnell and conducted by Evelyn Hughes, the cast includes 20 professional principal singers, 10 chorus members and a dancer formerly of the Milwaukee Ballet as the Magic Bird.
       Local singers include Sarah Hancock, director of the Statesboro Youth Chorale, Tamara Harper Watson, former director of the Georgia Southern University opera, Jacob Furse, a GSU music student and students with the Statesboro Youth Chorale, who will portray the enchanted animals.
      Peach State Opera is a touring company which combines beautiful voices and excellent musicianship with "portable" staging for easy travel.
      Tickets are available at the Emma Kelly box office Tuesday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. or by calling (912) 212-ARTS.