Animal talent expert Nancy Novograd poses for a portrait during auditions to select a snake for a part in an adaptation of Mozart’s “Così afan tutte," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Opera has cast a live snake for its upcoming production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classic opera, Così fan tutte.
In auditions overseen by former Coney Island carnival performer Zoe Ziegfeld—who plays the snake charmer in the show—a yellow-peach sun-glow boa constrictor named Princess won the featured role. Organizers selected Princess for her suitable size, calm demeanor, and strong visual presence under the stage lights, while a smaller brown boa named Nala was named her understudy.
Provided by Nancy Novograd’s All Tame Animals, the snakes will take center stage in a reimagined version of Mozart’s 1790 opera, which shifts the original story’s setting to a vibrant 1950s Coney Island carnival complete with sideshow acts.
