Last weekend, the Lionel Hampton School of Music brought the tradition of Austrian opera to the Hartung Theater with “Die Fledermaus.” Traditionally performed on New Years Day, UI’s take on this classic opera, directed by Stefan Gordon, was a hilarious and heartfelt celebration of being alive. Beautiful opera performances, engaging acting and stunning costumes and sets made this an unforgettable experience for viewers.
The show is set in 1899 on New’s Year’s Day in Vienna. Sticking with tradition, the opera was sung entirely in German, with English subtitles projected for viewers in the audience. The German opera songs were both powerful and striking, while also emotional and heartfelt, provoking strong responses throughout the show.
The Opera opened with a truly magical performance by the UI Opera orchestra, who took the audience on an emotional and suspenseful journey before a single character even took the stage. The small orchestra brought a powerful sound as they continued to support the soundtrack of the performances for the rest of the night. The orchestra held the entire show together, creating the backdrop through which the performers could shine.
The first scene opened with a song by the maid of a wealthy couple, Adele, played by Elizabeth Sabata and Katherine Seelmeyer in alternating performances. This first song sets the upbeat pace for the entire first act, as the lady of the house, Rosalinde (Zoe Miller and Mikaila Calhoun) discovers her husband, Gabriel von Eisenstein (Malachi McMillan and Samuel Leeper) will be taken to jail that night. After pretending to mourn his loss, Rosalinde finds her former lover Alfredo (Derek Carson) serenading her outside her window and they secretly meet. Meanwhile, her husband is meeting with his old friend Dr. Falke (Derek Renzelman and Elgin Thompson) who convinces him to go to a party to celebrate his last night of freedom before being thrown into jail.
The rest of the plot follows the rich and bored protagonists as they engage in various hi-jinks, ultimately resulting in everyone in jail, drunk and confused after a wild night. While short in plot, the show makes up for it with stunning vocal performances and witty humor. The opera transformed the silly story into a captivating experience that transported viewers to a different time. The vocals were enchanting, especially from leading lady Rosalinde, whose powerful voice resounded throughout the Hartung and demanded all the attention (much like her character).
It was impossible not to smile for the entirety of this production. Watching this show truly felt like participation in a grand and extravagant celebration of life itself. The characters don’t take themselves too seriously, and it’s clear that everyone is having fun. This show celebrates the fun in life such as drinking champagne; hence, the 10 minutes spent in song worshiping the so-called king of the wines. Dancing, singing and drinking (excessively) are the prevailing actions of the show, and viewers are swept away in the sheer joyfulness and exuberance of it all.
In an uncertain and often dark world, “Die Fledermaus” is a reminder that people mustn’t always take themselves so seriously. The show encourages viewers to embrace the joy in their lives and take advantage of every opportunity to have fun. The audience is the left with the warm feeling that, as the Dr. Falke character exclaims, “Today we are no longer strangers, but friends for all time!”
Grace Giger can be reached at [email protected]