The UNLV Opera Theatre will present Johann Strauss' "Die Fledermaus" at 7:30 p.m. March 7 and 8 and at 3 p.m. March 9 in the Judy Bayley Theatre on the UNLV campus.
This production is a full-scale opera and will feature the vocal talents of students and faculty, the UNLV Symphony Orchestra, conducted by George Stelluto, as well as the UNLV Chamber Chorale. UNLV assistant professor of voice, Christine Seitz, directs the production.
The light-hearted "Die Fledermaus" (The Bat) tells the story of Gabriel Eisenstein, a wealthy man of independent means, and the revenge that is taken on him by Dr. Falke. In their youth, Eisenstein and Dr. Falke attended a costume ball. Eisenstein went as a butterfly and Dr. Falke as a bat (Fledermaus). When morning came, Dr. Falke had drunk more than was good for him, and on the way home through the woods Eisenstein lifted him out of the carriage and placed him under a tree and left him sleeping. When he woke, Dr. Falke had to walk home, still in costume, through the town in broad daylight, to the joy of all the street merchants. After that, he was always known as "Dr. Bat."
The revenge Dr. Falke takes on Eisenstein introduces the audience to Rosalinda, Eisenstein's wife; the couple's maid, Adele; and Rosalinda's lover, Alfred. Settings include Eisenstein's home, a lavish ball hosted by Prince Orlofsky, and finally, prison.
The cast for March 7 and 9 includes Roza Tulyaganova as Rosalinda, Richard Kaminski as Eisenstein, Amy Hunsaker as Adele, Michael Rodriguez as Alfred, and Debra Siebert as Prince Orlofsky. The cast for the March 8 production includes Ashley Kreider as Rosalinda, Dan Ibeling as Eisenstein, Gillian Goodman as Adele, Jon Keenan as Alfred, and Leslie Leytham as Prince Orlofsky. ShaunAnthony Williams portrays Dr. Falke and visiting UNLV assistant professor Scott Swope portrays Frank the Jailer for all three performances.
Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 for military and seniors; $5 for students and UNLV faculty and staff; and each UNLV student receives a free ticket with valid student I.D. Tickets can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center Box Office or by calling 895-ARTS (2787).
