Calgary Opera Presents DIE FLEDERMAUS, Today

Calgary Opera is pleased to present the first production of its 2016 / 2017 season, Die Fledermaus ("The Bat") - a Viennese operetta full of hi-jinks and hilarity by Johann Strauss Jr., on Saturday, November 19, Wednesday, November 23, and Friday, November 25 at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

"We are starting the season with a light-hearted, famously funny operetta that audiences will enjoy," said W.R. (Bob) McPhee, General and Director and CEO. "The dialogue is rapid-fire and whip-smart, and we have assembled a fantastic cast and stage design that will take the audience back to 19th century Vienna, along with a few 'celebrity' surprises during the performances."

Die Fledermaus (DEE FLAY-der-mouse), or "The Bat," finds Adele, who has been invited to attend an extravagant ball held by the Russian Prince Orlofsky. She tells her mistress, Rosalinde, that she must look after her sick aunt to get the night off. Rosalinde is too preoccupied with planning her night with her former lover, for her husband, Eisenstein must spend the night in jail. Eisenstein has other plans, however, and disguises himself in order to go to the ball with Dr. Falke. Dr. Falke's motives are less than noble, as he is scheming revenge on Eisenstein for a prank previously played on him. The festive games of debauchery, flirtations and drunken song play out through the night.

The superb cast includes Sally Dibblee, Soprano in the role of Rosalinde, Coloratura Soprano Tracy Dahl performing as Adele, Norinne Burgess, Mezzo-Soprano in the role of Orlovsky, and Roger Honeywell, Tenor performing as Eisenstein. The production is directed by Glynis Leyshon, conducted by Gordon Gerrard and accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets start at $30.00, and vary by seating location, with student/senior pricing available. Visit www.calgaryopera.com for tickets and more information.

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