satirical comedies poking fun at politicians and aristocrats which quickly proved to be a nice alternative to the increasingly serious works of grand opera in France. It wasn’t too long before Offenbach’s theater would be packed with patrons eager to enjoy evenings of light musical entertainment. In a short time, the popularity of Offenbach’s operettas (operette in French) swept through Europe, particularly in Vienna, where young Austrian composers began trying their hand at creating works of similar style. The most successful of these composers was Johann Strauss, Jr. Beyond composing some of the most famous Viennese waltzes still played today, Johann Strauss, Jr. is also famous for taking the French operette form, layering it with some Viennese flavor, and creating the Viennese operetta; his most famous and beloved being Die Fledermaus. Premiering on April 5, 1874, at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna, Die Fledermaus was well received. It enjoyed 16 initial performances in Vienna then quickly made its way around Europe to varying degrees of success. It wasn’t until the early 20th Century that audience enthusiasm for the work solidified it’s stature as a cultural landmark and the work is now presented regularly around the world. As the story unfolds, an elaborate revenge scheme is hatched by Dr. Falke to expose the womanizing ways of his friend Eisenstein. The previous winter, Eisenstein had left his friend Falke drunk and asleep under a tree in a bat costume (hence the name of the opera The Bat). Falke has invited Eisenstein to enjoy a night of frivolity at an elaborate Viennese ball hosted by Prince Orlovsky before he departs for a short stint in jail. Falke tricks Eisenstein into flirting with his own wife, Rosalinda, who has left her own lover, Alfred, to join the charade arriving in disguise as a Hungarian countess. What results is a comedic evening full of hidden identities and amorous intrigues mixed with a splash of unwieldy delight in this charming story where ultimately champagne reigns as king!
Sean Anderson
Blythe Gaissert
Baritone Sean Anderson, who recently won critical acclaim for his performances as George in last season’s Of Mice and Men and Iago in the 2012 production of Verdi’s Otello, sang the role of the scheming Eisenstein for the first time at Sarasota Opera in 2006. He will return to reprise the same role this fall. Of his upcoming performance, Mr. Anderson says, “I always look forward to performing in Die Fledermaus, or any operetta for that matter, largely due to dialogue. Opera singing is demanding without the addition of spoken text that must, must be on par dramatically with the sections which are sung. To strive to do both with artistic integrity is a challenge I relish bending my skill towards.” Mr. Anderson will be sharing the stage with a large cast of Sarasota Opera favorites. Soprano Danielle Walker (A King for a Day, Carmen) will sing the role of his wife Rosalinda; Soprano Angela Mortellaro (Hansel and Gretel) will sing Adele, Rosalinda’s chambermaid; tenor Joshua Kohl (Lucia di Lammermoor, Don Giovanni) as Alfred, Rosalinda’s former lover; baritone Matthew Hanscom (Of Mice and Men, Turandot) as Dr. Falke, a.k.a “The Bat”; and mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert (Rigoletto, La rondine), as Prince Orlovsky, the host of the Viennese Ball where the Falke’s plot unfolds. Stephanie Sundine will direct and Maestro Victor DeRenzi will conduct the Sarasota Orchestra. Even though the opera was originally written in German, this production will be sung in English with a translation by Marcie Stapp. And like all productions at Sarasota Opera, the surtitles will be projected above the stage. With tickets starting at only $19, this is a wonderful opportunity to see one of Johann Strauss, Jr.’s most celebrated works come alive. Performances are November 1, 3 (m), 5, 7, 13, and 15 (m). Evening performances begin at 8pm and matinée performances (both weekend and weekday) begin at 1:30pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Sarasota Opera Box Office at (941) 328-1300 or visit us at www.sarasotaopera.org. scenesarasota.com
Joshua Kohl
Angela Mortellaro September 2013
|
SCENE
43