Die Fledermaus (The Bat!) Will Make A Splash!

Vashon Opera will present Johann Strauss’ exquisitely beautiful and bubbly comedy, Die Fledermaus with two performances at the Vashon High School Theater on September 20th and 22nd. Die Fledermaus means "The Bat" in German and this title comes from a little joke that was played by the principal character Eisenstein on his friend Dr. Falke. A year earlier Eisenstein had abandoned a drunken Falke dressed as a bat in the center of town, exposing him to ridicule the next day. The plot follows the revenge of "The Bat" as Dr. Falke arranges to embarrass his friend Eisenstein in return.
 
Sung in English, Die Fledermaus will be Vashon Opera’s first ever operetta. Vashon Opera will incorporate a lively 45 member chorus, professional opera stars, a corps de ballet, enchanting chamber musicians, and special guest artists.
 
"Die Fledermaus affords an exciting opportunity for us to bring in artists of various art forms. During the second Act at Prince Orlofksy’s festivities traditionally the presenting opera company will provide some guest acts as part of Orlofsky’s entertainment. Vashon Opera is thrilled to present a ballet, guest vocal star Kevin Joyce, guest aerialists headed up by Martha Enson and Vashon’s own magician Tom Pruiksma!", says Jennifer Krikawa.
 
"Strauss’ waltzes demand dancing and I’m thrilled that Julie Gibson will coordinate and choreograph the dancing element", says Krikawa. Says Julie, "I think it is exciting creating what I’m feeling is a show within a show. The ballet is so different from what is going on in the story line and smack dab in the middle of the second act. It’s kind of fun to imagine it as part of the entertainment at the party. And of course the music is so beautiful!"
 
Dr. Jim Brown will return to conduct, direct and arrange the operetta, "We have a cast of opera singers with really special and beautiful voices and our chamber orchestra is our beloved team Karin Choo, Mary Manning, Doug Davis, Jennifer Rhyne and Evan Stults."
 
"I am also thrilled to present such a large dynamic chorus directed by Joe Farmer.", says Jennifer Krikawa. Joe describes the Die Fledermaus chorus as instrumental to the fabric of the entirety of Act II. "As a result," says Joe, "we’ve pulled together a talented group of 45 island singers who, I’m certain, will be a delight to our audiences! The music is familiar and lively - silly at times - and a lot of fun to sing. It’s really going to be a blast!"
 
Jocelyne Fowler and Anna Martinsen return to costume the large cast. "We are placing the opera in the 1920’s for a spectacular look and elegant style." says Anna Martinsen.
 
Die Fledermaus will be a good time for all. Join us for a waltzin’ good time!
 
Tickets on are sale now at vashonopera.org and Vashon Bookshop.
 
September 20, 2013, 8:00 pm
September 22, 2013, 2:30 pm
$32 Season Ticket Price
 
September 18, 2013 7:00pm Student Family dress rehearsal tickets: $15
Vashon High School Theatre
20120 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon