A real boa constrictor named Princess has been selected for a starring role in the Metropolitan Opera's upcoming adaptation of Così fan tutte in New York after a unique audition process that included both animal and handler
When the Metropolitan Opera in New York needed a snake for its new staging of Così fan tutte, the company did not settle for a prop or a video projection. Instead, it held a live audition-requiring every reptile candidate to demonstrate stage presence and composure under the lights. The result: a boa constrictor named Princess will take center stage, making her one of the few animals to earn a role at the Met through a formal tryout.
Princess, a large sun-glow boa with yellow-peach coloring, was chosen for her visual impact and calm temperament. The selection process was led by Zoe Ziegfeld, a carnival performer-turned-opera actor who plays the snake handler in the production. Ziegfeld personally evaluated each snake, testing their comfort with being handled and their ability to remain steady during the performance's most visible moments.
How the Opera's Animal Casting Works
According to the Met's established practice, every performer-human or animal-must audition for onstage roles. For this production, Ziegfeld worked with Nancy Novograd of All Tame Animals, a company that supplies trained animals for stage and screen. Novograd brought several snakes to the Met, but Princess stood out for her size and color, which matched the visual requirements of the show's 1950s Coney Island carnival setting. A smaller brown boa named Nala was selected as Princess's understudy, ready to step in if needed.
The Met's animal casting is not limited to snakes. Novograd's company has previously provided horses, elephants, and even insects for various productions. The process emphasizes not only the animal's appearance but also its ability to interact safely and predictably with performers and the audience. In this case, Ziegfeld's experience as a snake charmer on Coney Island-where they performed up to eight shows a day-proved essential in assessing the animals' readiness for the stage.
Così fan tutte Gets a Coney Island Twist
The Met's adaptation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 1790 opera Così fan tutte keeps the original plot but relocates the action to a vibrant 1950s Coney Island carnival. The production features elaborate sets, sideshow performers, and now, a live snake. Ziegfeld has played the snake charmer role in this adaptation three times, but this is the first time Princess will appear in the spotlight.
During the audition, Ziegfeld lifted each snake overhead and observed their reactions to movement and attention. The goal was to ensure the animal would not be stressed or unpredictable during live performances. Princess's calm demeanor and striking appearance made her the clear choice for the lead, while Nala's reliability secured her the backup spot.
Behind the Scenes of Animal Performance at the Met
Animal performers at the Met are subject to the same scrutiny as their human counterparts. Novograd explained that animals must not only fit the visual concept but also demonstrate specific behaviors and compatibility with the cast. The Met's approach reflects a commitment to both artistic quality and animal welfare, with handlers and trainers present at every rehearsal and show.
For this production, the animal's comfort and safety are prioritized. Ziegfeld's dual background in carnival performance and opera ensures that both the handler and the snake are prepared for the demands of the stage. The Met's willingness to invest in live animal auditions underscores its dedication to authenticity and spectacle, even in the smallest details.
Animal casting at major cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Opera is rare, but when it happens, it is handled with professionalism and care. The selection of Princess as the lead snake in Così fan tutte demonstrates the Met's attention to detail and its respect for both performers and audience. As the curtain rises on this new production, Princess's debut will be watched as closely as any human star-proof that at the Met, every role is earned.
