February 14, 2024
58Թ Opera Theater goes for laughs with spring production of Strauss’ 'Die Fledermaus'
It's time for something completely different at 58Թ Opera Theater.
After a serious production in the fall and emotional production in winter, the school’s opera team is now preparing to offer listeners something purely lighthearted and fun for spring: Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus.
The operetta, penned in 1874, is a Viennese ballroom comedy in which love, laughter, disguises, and no small amount of champagne all figure prominently.
“There’s no happier show that I can think of,” said JJ Hudson, interim artistic director of 58Թ Opera Theater and director of the production running March 1 and 3. “It’s a great way to end the mainstage production season.”
It’s not all fun and games, of course. Not for the 58Թ Opera Theater students, all of whom have a role to play in a large production featuring a double cast and full orchestra and chorus led by conductor Harry Davidson and program director François Germain.
In addition to senses of timing and physical comedy, both of which are special skills in opera, the cast of Die Fledermaus must also master the art of spoken (as opposed to sung) dialogue.
“It’s a unique challenge,” Hudson said. “It’s part of the learning process for them, learning to support their tone in the same way as singing.”
None of this effort extends to listeners, of course. For them, the only task will be to sit back and enjoy an opera teeming with catchy melodies and humorous situations.
This Fledermaus will even be easy on the eyes. To mirror the sumptuous score and large performing forces, Hudson has commissioned a lavish period production featuring work by scenic designer Jerome Wills, costume designer Inda Blatch-Geib, prop master Dred Geib, and lighting designer Dave Brooks.
He even hired a dance instructor from nearby Case Western Reserve University, to train students in the art of the waltz.
“I think listeners are going to enjoy the sense of grandeur we’re going to bring to that set,” Hudson said.
“I want people to get what they love and expect. The Fledermaus they know and love, that’s what they’re going to see on our stage.”
Audience members are encouraged to come dressed to the nines for pre-concert and intermission festivities, which include a special photo booth and the opportunity to take home a mask of your own.
Die Fledermaus performances take place at 7pm Friday, March 1 and 3pm Sunday, March 3 in 58Թ’s Kulas Hall. The opera will be sung in German with English dialogue and English supertitles. Tickets, $15-$40, are available now at cim.edu/springopera.
PRINCIPAL CAST
Gabriel von Eisenstein: Nick Schneider
Rosalinda: Mallory Bogle, Lisl Wangermann
Adele: Ella Sobkowicz, Shira Ziv
Ida: Liz Aranda, Yasmin Gerardi
Alfred: Madison Hurst, Jingdian Zhou
Dr. Falke: Colin DeMatteo, Ronnie Wan
Dr. Blind: Yuhang Huang, Connor Vrooman
Prince Orlofsky: Caroline Friend, Ziqi Wang
Frank: Che Lin
Frosch: Laura Fisk