Photo by David Main
TOP DANCERS. Five of Dance Theatre Northwest’s most accomplished dancers, Olivia Hutchins (left) and Chhay Mam, along with Katie Neumann, Vadne Domeika and Elle Walters will perform in act two of “Die Fledermaus.”
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) Opera is teaming up with Dance Theatre Northwest (DTN) for a first-time collaboration to stage Johann Strauss’ very funny operetta “Die Fledermaus” Nov. 6, 7, 8 and 9 in PLU’s Eastvold Theatre.
A staple of operatic repertoire, “Die Fledermaus” offers audiences a change of pace from the productions PLU Opera has staged in recent years. Performing one opera each year, PLU Opera has been focusing on dramatic operas said professor Jim Brown, chair of vocal studies and artistic director of PLU Opera. “I thought it was high time for a comedy,” he said, noting that the operetta will be performed in English and will be more akin to American musical theater as in typical operetta style.
In act two of the three-act operetta there is a ballet scene, which will be performed by some of DTN’s most seasoned dancers who have performed in the school’s stunning “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker.” DTN Artistic Director Melanie Kirk-Stauffer created the original choreography. She said she is thrilled to be teaming up with PLU Opera. “I always like this cross-promoting type of work. It’s wonderful for our dancers to have experience with different organizations.”
Kirk-Stauffer said she is quite impressed with the vocalists Brown chose for “Die Fledermaus.” A preview was given at last weekend’s Holiday Food and Gift Show at the Tacoma Dome where the dancers and singers had onlookers’ rapt attention. Kirk-Stauffer said the singers made for “joyful listening. I’m glad we’re involved. PLU’s School of Music has a great reputation and I can see why.”
Brown said he had “such strong auditions for this that I double-casted,” meaning that the operetta will feature two sets of performers that will alternate each night. All are PLU students, most of whom are music majors. He said Kirk-Stauffer’s students are breathtaking. “It’s very physical dancing…and truly classic ballet.”
PLU’s University Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Jonathan Pasternack, will provide the music. “It’s a wonderful thing Jim has done to invite DTN,” he said. “It’s a lovely touch.”
The light-hearted story of “Die Fledermaus” is one of mistaken identity, romantic intrigue and practical jokes gone awry. As the operetta opens, the wealthy Gabriel von Eisenstein has to report to jail for a minor offense while his old friend Dr. Falke plots to get him back for embarrassing the doctor previously. It seems that years ago von Eisenstein had left Falke passed out under a tree after a costume party. Dressed as a bat (“fledermaus” in Strauss’ native German), the hung-over Falke had to walk the whole way home in the get-up in broad daylight.
The plotting Falke entices von Eisenstein to spend his last night of freedom at a fabulous party rather than go to jail, as there would be lots of pretty girls and ballet dancers there. Leaving his wife, Rosalinda, home alone, von Eisenstein heads off to the dance.
Meanwhile, Rosalinda’s old flame, Alfred, shows up to woo the wife while the husband is away. Over a cozy supper and champagne they toast each other when suddenly the police show up to escort von Eisenstein to jail. Careful of her reputation, and with Alfred in her husband’s dressing gown, Rosalinda convinces the police that Alfred really is von Eisenstein and they take the innocent man away.
Soon after, Rosalinda shows up at the party, at the behest of Falke, in disguise to get the goods on her philandering husband. With the champagne flowing and the ballet dancers twirling, the party reaches a crescendo. It comes time to leave, and von Eisenstein heads off to do his time in prison, where all the characters meet up and the misunderstandings are revealed in an ending of high comedy.
“It’s a very silly and fun story,” Pasternack said, “and the music is light and bubbly.” Composed by Strauss, the famous waltz king, Pasternack said the repertoire is full of life and joy with folksy Viennese dance music, polkas and waltzes.
“I think the young musicians here (at PLU) will really pull it off rather well.”
Tickets to “Die Fledermaus” are $8 general admission and $5 for seniors. Purchase at the door or in advance by calling (253) 535-7602.
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