Metropolitan Opera Casts Boa Constrictor for Cosi fan tutte
A snake named Princess will appear in the upcoming production set in 1950s Coney Island.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Opera
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The Metropolitan Opera has cast a sun-glow boa constrictor named Princess in its latest adaptation of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. A brown boa constrictor named Nala has also been selected to serve as the production's understudy.
Why it matters
The inclusion of live animals in opera requires rigorous safety standards and specific behavioral training. This production integrates a snake into its narrative setting of a 1950s carnival to enhance the visual storytelling of the classic work.
Snake handler Zoe Ziegfeld has performed this role in three previous iterations of this production. Ziegfeld's professional background includes experience performing eight daily shows at Coney Island.
The players
Metropolitan Opera
This is a major American opera company based in New York City that regularly produces classical works.
Zoe Ziegfeld
She is a professional snake handler who has performed the charmer role in this opera adaptation three times.
Nancy Novograd
She is the owner of All Tame Animals, the agency responsible for providing the snakes for the production.
The details
Snake handler Zoe Ziegfeld evaluated candidates based on demeanor and comfort around people before selecting the snakes provided by All Tame Animals. The production leans into a 1950s carnival theme, necessitating a snake character that is comfortable being held overhead by a performer during the show.
Timeline
The original Mozart opera debuted in 1790.
The production is set in a 1950s carnival.
News regarding the snake auditions was published in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The Metropolitan Opera's use of live animals reflects a broader trend of high-budget stage productions incorporating immersive elements to modernize classic repertoire. This approach contrasts with traditional minimalist staging while aiming to attract contemporary audiences through spectacle.
Attendees of the upcoming production can expect to see live animals as part of the staged 1950s carnival aesthetic. Ticket holders should anticipate that the presence of animals may lead to specific stage regulations or interaction guidelines during the performance.
The takeaway
Integrating live animals into theatrical productions requires careful vetting of both the animal's temperament and the handler's experience. This casting demonstrates the logistical planning necessary to bring period-specific atmosphere to the operatic stage.
Further reading
Explore more upcoming performances and stage details at the Opera section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star.
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