The Magic Flute
by Kegler

Fifteen answers get modified before entry; 26 Across identifies the responsible party.

Across 1 Surgical instrument starting to penetrate gown 5 Adjusting heat aboard train somewhat 8 We hear singer Natalie is black? 12 Time out, receiving ball before end of every half 14 Printed mistakes are holding sailor back 15 Certain flyers eventually see nurses 16 Barker hugs German actor George 17 Observes Beetle cars crashing 19 Rebukes retreating Southern soldier running east 20 On a roll following second chance 22 He's back, taking time for Adam's son 25 Spoke to dear Dotty 26 See instructions 29 Lieutenant, gaining one pound, quit certain weight-loss program (2 wds) 31 Disney packaging Greek character in wood 32 Reagan's acquiring a couple of time-shares 33 Additionally including one date for liqueur flavoring 36 Brain, perhaps, from wild orang 39 Tells of headset arranged backwards, in part 41 One Democrat gets into backing conservationist element 42 Automaton designer Christian's genetic make-up reflected 43 Start the bidding for old writing instrument 44 School official upset about prank ultimately is exposed 45 Troupe assessment is emasculating

Down 1 Steals crowns containing iridium 2 Indians love wise men 3 Second-rate painters reproduced jewelry 4 Listening devices entrapping fifty members of the nobility 5 Boss hit on comedian Margaret 6 Ignoring the odds, Hermes dashes 7 Trollop damaged certain desk cover 8 It reacts badly with some acid salts 9 Apparatus tendering money, primarily! 10 Developed realty shaped like an instrument 11 Reportedly, come out of the water like a whale's rump 13 Plant in northern Maine garden plot 18 Trimming and reinforcing about ten 19 Certain African boy, almost brown, catches bird 21 Ms. Hawn dropping $1000 for blast from the past 23 Corners Republican surrounded by supporters 24 Mistakenly quit, per a clearance from a port's health authority 27 Rambling and imploring, having a change of heart 28 Disallow one piece of atrophied fruit 30 More than one electronic device fails, absorbing more than can be handled 34 Father Junipero essentially grateful for having teeth 35 Wandering one climbs inside rocky crater 37 Successful comic's interest in nonsense 38 Unusual name for the last word? 40 Parties coming up with grass

Solution