The MSU Opera Theatre invites you to enjoy an evening of singing and dancing with Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus. Performances will be held November 14, 16–18; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. All performances will be held in Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium.
Die Fledermaus was first performed on April 5, 1874 in Vienna, and quickly gained popularity worldwide. Also known as “Revenge of the Bat,” this Austrian opera mtells the comedic tale of revenge through a series of practical jokes.
A mixture of tall tales and mistaken identities collide as a philandering husband and clever wife mix company with friends who are all in disguise at a lavish party, thick with laughter and heavy on the champagne. Director Melanie Helton spent her career performing around the country and the world as an opera singer landing lead roles in numerous operas and working closely with several composers including Leonard Bernstein and Lee Hoiby.
At MSU, Helton is professor of voice (soprano) and director of the MSU Opera Theatre. Hal France will be guest conducting the MSU Symphony Orchestra for the production. He has conducted at operas across the country and served as music director for the Houston Grand Opera and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. France holds degrees from Northwestern University and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.
The opera will be sung in English with English surtitles. There will also be a preview lecture 45 minutes prior to the performance.
Generously sponsored by Dr. James M. Miller and Dr. Rebecca H. Lehto. The Opera Theatre season is
generously funded by the Worthington Family Foundation. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $7 for students with ID and anyone under 18, and can be purchased online, at the College of Music box office, by calling (517) 353-5340, or in person (333 W.Circle Drive, East Lansing), or at the door.
