A 40-Pound Snake Named Princess Is the Scaly New Star of N.Y.C.’s Metropolitan Opera. And She Had to Audition, Too (Exclusive)

In an unusual collaboration between wildlife and the performing arts, Princess, a sunglow boa constrictor, has taken centre stage at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City as part of their production of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte”. The seven-year-old reptile weighs approximately 40 pounds and has been making waves in the world of opera, captivating audiences with her striking appearance and calm disposition.

Princess’s journey to the spotlight began with Nancy Novograd, the president of All Tame Animals, an agency that provides various animals for theatrical performances at the Met. Novograd recalled the Metropolitan Opera reaching out to her with the intention of incorporating a snake in the production. “They came to me and said, ‘We’re bringing ‘Così’ back. Who do you think would be good for it?’” she noted.

However, it was Zoe Ziegfeld, a skilled snake charmer and performer in her own right, who initially pitched the idea of featuring a serpent in the show. Ziegfeld, who regularly showcases her talents at the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, successfully auditioned for a role in the production and later took on the responsibility of selecting the right snake for the job. With footage demonstrating her snake-handling skills, Ziegfeld secured her position as the snake charmer in the production, which premiered on September 23.

During the audition process, Ziegfeld worked with various snakes, getting a feel for their physicality and temperament to ensure a safe collaboration on stage. After a day of rehearsing with the candidates brought in by Novograd, she ultimately chose Princess, impressed by the snake’s vibrant colouring and gentle nature.

Ziegfeld expressed her confidence in her pairing with Princess, stating, “I have to feel physically confident in their temperament, but also in my ability to manage them on stage and remain safe and in control.” Her lifelong passion for reptiles, having first acquired a pet snake at the age of eight, gives her added assurance in her performance with Princess.

The safety and well-being of Princess are top priorities; if there are any signs of discomfort from the boa constrictor before a show, she is not compelled to perform. In fact, she has an understudy—a second snake provided by Novograd—for those instances when she may not be in the right frame of mind. “If her body language is suggesting that she does not want to do this, I’m not going to make her do it,” Ziegfeld confirmed.

So far, Princess has been a hit in the production, so much so that her role has been expanded to include additional scenes. The addition of a snake to the opera has been met with enthusiasm, with even those who were initially hesitant about performing alongside a reptile finding themselves drawn to her.

Both Novograd and Ziegfeld hope the presence of Princess on stage will cultivate greater understanding and respect for snakes, even among those who may have an inherent fear of them. Ziegfeld articulated a profound message regarding her scaly companion: “I want people to lead with respect and understand that this creature deserves kindness and safety no matter what your feelings are about it.”

For those interested in witnessing the unique collaboration of reptiles and opera, the Metropolitan Opera will livestream a performance of “Così fan tutte” on October 3, allowing audiences around the globe to see Princess perform. Information regarding the livestream can be found on the Metropolitan Opera’s official website, offering a chance for opera aficionados to experience this extraordinary union of artistry and wildlife.