Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Boa Constrictors Audition for Metropolitan Opera’s Carnival-Style Così fan tutte
The Metropolitan Opera is preparing a new version of an opera called Così fan tutte.
This version is set at a carnival in Coney Island during the 1950s.
Because the show includes a snake charmer, the producers needed a real snake.
Boa constrictors were brought in for an unusual audition.
They were checked to see whether they were calm and could handle being onstage.
A snake named Princess was chosen for the main role on a trial basis.
Another snake named Nala will serve as a backup.
The snakes will join performers including carnival artist Zoe Ziegfeld, who plays the snake handler.
The Metropolitan Opera held an unusual audition for boa constrictors on August 28 in New York.
Princess, a yellow-peach sun-glow boa constrictor, reportedly won the main role on a trial basis.
Nala, a smaller brown boa constrictor, was selected as the backup.
The snakes were assessed for temperament, stage presence and ability to perform live.
The production relocates Mozart’s Così fan tutte to a 1950s Coney Island carnival featuring sideshow elements.
- Who
- The Metropolitan Opera, boa constrictors Princess and Nala, and carnival performer-turned-opera actor Zoe Ziegfeld.
- What
- Boa constrictors auditioned for roles in a new production of Mozart’s Così fan tutte.
- When
- The audition took place on August 28; Princess is expected to begin rehearsals on a trial basis.
- Where
- The audition was held at New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
- Why
- The production’s 1950s Coney Island carnival setting includes sideshow elements and a snake charmer.
- Opera
- Mozart’s Così fan tutte
- Venue
- The Metropolitan Opera in New York
- Audition date
- August 28
- Main snake
- Princess, a yellow-peach sun-glow boa constrictor
- Backup snake
- Nala, a smaller brown boa constrictor
- Production setting
- A 1950s Coney Island carnival
- Snake handler
- Zoe Ziegfeld