A female boa constrictor named Princess has become an unexpected star in the Metropolitan Opera's revival of Così fan tutte, a production directed by Phelim McDermott. The opera, set in an amusement park inspired by Coney Island of the 1950s, features a snake charmer portrayed by Zoe Ziegfeld, who has worked as a snake handler at Coney Island. Princess was chosen after several boas auditioned for the role, with criteria including size, color, temperament, and stage presence. Some candidates were deemed too small, and one did not match Ziegfeld's costume. Princess was selected for her calm demeanor and stage presence, though the Met provided a standby, Nala, in case Princess was unavailable. Princess now has her own dressing room at Lincoln Center and was offered an additional appearance in the show due to her convincing performance during rehearsals. The Met had previously required Princess, like everyone else, to go through an audition to enter the opera house. This unusual collaboration between the opera and a live animal has drawn attention from both the performing arts community and wildlife enthusiasts. It highlights the creative lengths to which productions will go to bring their visions to life, while also raising questions about the treatment and care of animals in such settings.