Die Fledermaus (Photo – Pacific Opera Project)
LOS ANGELES – ColoradoBoulevard.net:
Pacific Opera Project (POP), in collaboration with the Occidental College Glee Club, will present Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus, featuring a new libretto by POP’s Artistic Director, Josh Shaw.
By News Desk
The production tells the tale of a Hungarian countess, a Russian prince, a magically attractive watch, and a bat costume – which make for a strange plot in any setting, except in a time not that long ago when anything was possible: the Golden Age of Hollywood! Audience members will be transported back to a time to when an actress has access to a Hungarian Princess costume, a maid is an aspiring chorus girl, a mysterious Russian playboy comes to town to throw around some money, and a matinee idol with panache for the ladies is in a little hot water with the local police.
The talented cast of Die Fledermaus includes:
- Baritone Schyler Vargas (The Atlanta Opera, Arizona Opera) as Gabe Valentine;
- Soprano Avery Boettcher (Teatro Graticello, Opera Tampa) as Rosie Lynne;
- Baritone Luis Orozco (Opera Omaha, Nashville Opera) as Freddie Falcone;
- Baritone William Grundler (Opera Santa Barbara, Opera San Luis Obispo) as Blind;
- Soprano Chloe Sundet (Opera Neo, Wenatchee Valley Symphony) as Adele;
- Contralto Emily Geller (Salt Marsh Opera, Teatro Lirico d’Europa) as Boris Orlofsky;
- Bass-baritone E. Scott Levin (LA Opera, Union Avenue Opera) as Frank, Chief of Police; and
- Tenor Derrek Stark (Metropolitan Opera, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance) as Alfredo Caruso.
- Desiree Lavertu takes the role of Chorus Master while Caleb Yanez Glickman conducts this production directed by POP’s Founding Artistic Director, Josh Shaw, with choreography by Amy Lawrence.
“Performing in Fledermaus was some of the most fun I ever had on stage!” said POP Artistic Director Josh Shaw. “It’s a party from start to finish and always fun for those on stage–and usually for those in the seats too. But there have always been inconsistencies and outlandish moments in the plot that drive me crazy. I set out to address some of those with this new update. And when in doubt…play to the hometown crowd. Who in LA doesn’t love a good old fashioned Hollywood setting?”
Pacific Opera Project Presents Die Fledermaus February 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm February 18, 2024 at 3:00 pm Location Thorne Hall at Occidental College Thorne Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90041 Tickets: $15 - $150
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