Boa constrictor Princess lands role at Metropolitan Opera
Zoe Ziegfeld, who plays the part of a snake charmer, poses with a snake during auditions. AP photo
Even the snake appearing on stage at New York’s Metropolitan Opera must audition for its role.
A boa constrictor named Princess has been chosen for the reptilian role in the Met’s upcoming adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” set at a 1950s Coney Island carnival.
Zoe Ziegfeld, a carnival performer-turned-opera actor who plays the snake handler, auditioned several snakes for the part. Ziegfeld lets each snake slither and wrap around them before lifting it over their head, evaluating its behavior and comfort around people.
