A masked ball with all the players clothed in dazzling display, a mysterious Russian prince, an overabundance of bubbly champagne, a serious plot of revenge, a pending prison sentence and an impromptu assignation in a beautiful boudoir all conspire to make Johann Strauss II’s beloved classic opera “Die Fledermaus” a glittering example of fine Viennese entertainment.
In honor of its thirtieth anniversary, Opera Theater of Connecticut will present this sterling production at the air-conditioned Andrews Memorial Theater, 54 East Main Street, Clinton on Tuesday, August 11, Thursday, August 13 and Saturday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 16 at 6 p.m. With a new libretto written by Artistic Director Alan Mann, you are invited to attend this high society gala, with or without white gloves, tuxedo tails or ball gowns. It will be fully staged, in English, with a professional orchestra.
If revenge is a dish best served chilled, then Dr. Falke (Mark Womack) has his devious plot on ice. He is still smarting from his ridicule when, in the costume of a bat, his supposed friend Gabriel von Eisenstein (Marc Deaton) left him alone and drunk in the forest and forced him to parade home in disgrace. Now Dr. Falke wants to turn the mask around and cause von Eisenstein to be the victim.
Be prepared to laugh along as the major players prepare to be pranked and hoisted on their own petard. Von Eisenstein who is supposed to be serving a minor jail sentence is, instead, masquerading as “Monsieur Renard” at the ball and wooing a charming countess who, in reality, is his own wife Rosalinda (Amanda Hall). For her part, Rosalinda is carrying on a secret affair with Alfred (Jorge Prego). Meanwhile her maid Adele (Lisa Williamson) is also in disguise at the ball in hopes of advancing her dream of becoming a big theatrical star while the host of the moment, Prince Orlofsky (Kelly Hill) has a hand in the variety of plots.
According to General Director Kate A. Ford, "We chose 'Die Fledermaus' this season to celebrate our 30th anniversary. Its bright and cheerful music, comedic plot, and joyful champagne toasts make it the ideal show to present as we commemorate this milestone year. As the longest-running opera company in the state, we look forward to expanding our season with more performances and presentations in 2016."
For tickets ($50 adult, seniors $45, under 18 $35), call Opera Theater of CT at 860-669-8999 or online at www.operatheaterofct.org. This season a German themed hot buffet dinner, provided by Chips' Pub III, will be served on the lawn next to the Indian River an hour and a half before curtain. Reserve in advance for $15. Also plan to attend Opera Talk with Artistic Director Alan Mann for $5 an hour and a half before curtain to learn more about the opera, to increase your enjoyment.
Fill a flute with chiled champagne and be prepared to toast the Opera Theater of CT on its grand thirtieth anniversary as "Die Fledermaus" takes elegant and eloquent wing.
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