Western Plains Opera presents 'Die Fledermaus'

"Die Fledermaus", a comic operetta by Waltz King Johann Strauss, will come to the Western Plains Opera stage Sept. 12, 13 and 14 at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on the campus of Minot State University.

"Die Fledermaus," which when translated means "The Bat," is among the most frequently performed works in the opera repertoire, loved for its sparkling humor and energetic pace.

"It’s a superbly entertaining show, offering a lively mix of characters and overflowing with infectious melodies," said General Director Kenneth Bowles, who also conducts the orchestra and 23-member chorus.

Set amid a Viennese ball, the story centers around a scoresettling joke in which Dr. Falke attempts to get even with his friend, Baron von Eisenstein, for abandoning him one night in a bat costume. Various characters assume outlandish personalities, drawing the Baron into committing an infidelity with a woman who turns out to be his wife.

Musical highlights include the "Watch Duet," the "Laughing Song," and the "Drinking Song," a boisterous chorus praising love and champagne.

"Every song is either a waltz or a polka," Bowles adds.

The stage director for this performance, Gerald Dolter, is a past baritone lead with WPO. Dolter is the director of Texas Tech University Music Theatre in Lubbock, Texas. He’ll direct a cast of professionals and local favorites including Sam Savage, Kari Paludan, Joann Martinson, Gennard Lombardozzi, Paul Hindemith, John Scheeler and Katie Langemo. Dancers from Rinat Mouzafarov’s Institute of Dance and Ballet Theatre will also perform.

Performances are set for Sept. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. For reservations and information, call 858- 3185 or log on to www.westernplainsopera.com.

09/12/08

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