Die Fledermaus
A Comedic Operetta of Risqué Charm
Two Performances – March 1 and 2
The Lionel Hampton School of Music Opera Workshop presents Johann Strauss Jr’s “Die Fledermaus” for two performances at 7:30 p.m. on March 1 and 2 at the Hartung Theatre, 625 Stadium Drive, Moscow. A 15-minute pre-show talk by the director at 7 p.m. on March 1, will take place in the Hartung lobby. The opera will be sung in German with English supertitles and dialogue and showcases the collaboration of LHSOM and the Department of Theatre Arts, accompanied by Strauss’ unforgettable melodies played by the U of I Orchestra, with Jason M. Johnston, conductor.
“Die Fledermaus” or “The Bat” in English, is regarded as one of the most famous and enduring operettas, known for its lively waltzes, comedic plot and memorable melodies. Set in 19th-century Vienna, the plot revolves around themes of disguise, mistaken identity and romantic entanglements.
The Golden Age of Vienna
“No show more accurately depicts the golden age of Vienna,” said director Stefan Gordon, assistant professor of voice at University of Idaho. “It’s easy to listen to the music and imagine the flowing ballrooms and sparkling champagne accenting the height of Vienna’s glory,” he said.
Meanwhile, the edges of the empire had begun to crumble. In the mid 1800’s, roughly 30 years before any Strauss waltz was heard from any Wiener stage, a serious of political failures began to carve out the edges of the Austrian Empire, which encompassed almost the entirety of Eastern Europe from Italy to Hungary. It is in this era that Emperor Franz Josef II took the throne.
Instead of using his military to stop the secession of the other border states, Franz Josef tore down the walls of Vienna to open the city and facilitate trade, and called artists from all over the empire to beautify Vienna. This is the age of Klimt, Otto Wagner and a new age of Viennese art and music.
A Champagne Fantasy
It is within this world of art, architecture and an explosion of music that “Die Fledermaus” emerges. “Die Fledermaus” feels like a champagne fantasy, in which everyone dreams of a world in which they are richer, more attractive, or just less bored. The starkness of reality in the first act dissolves into something lush and magical where there are no consequences. All of that melts away into a grey third act in prison, where they reminisce together, desperately trying to hold on to the magical world they lived in.
Risqué Charm
Be prepared for a hint of risqué charm that might just leave you blushing from the scandal that unfolds,” said director Stefan Gordon, assistant professor of voice at University of Idaho. “But fear not, the true culprit is none other than the effervescent champagne,” he said.
Ticket & Program Information
Tickets at www.uitickets.com or at the door (card only.) $10 for students and seniors, $12 general admission
View the program here.