Candide v Magic Flute- Which one shall I book?

[piddocktrumperiness]

Hi all, I'm trying to book an opera for my partner and I as a Christmas present. He's not seen one before and I've got the choice of Candide or Magic Flute. Both are in the WMC. If you have seen both, which one would you recommend and why?

Thank you so much

Which language is Magic Flute being sung in? Will there be surtitles? Does he prefer Mozart or Bernstein? Candide is shorter...

The Magic Flute is a - ahem - magical thing to see at Christmas.

Magic Flute is just so, well, enchanting.As long as the setting has not been ‘updated’, you have to accept the fantasy of bird men / women, monsters, giant serpents, , magic children…..

I don't know Candide so can't comment on it.

I saw Magic Flute with my Mum and Dad many years ago. I think it was probably the WNO doing it. It was a fantastic experience - beautiful music and a great production.

I'd definitely recommend the Magic Flute if it's performed by a good opera company and is a reasonably traditional production.

You are more likely to recognise some of The Magic Flute, which may or may not an advantage, but both include wonderful music and completely mad plots!

I'd say The Magic Flute is more typical of opera but Candide is probably more fun.

The Magic Flute - or, as one machine translation would have us believe, The Amazing Whistle!
More likely to know the tunes, if not the story.
Candide is good, but most people will only know the overture.