Pacific Symphony Will Present FLEDERMAUS: THE BAT-MAN'S REVENGE This February

A classic story gets a real twist by Pacific Symphony when an abundance of pranks, tricks, dancing and singing take place during the annual Superheroes' masked costume ball! Based (loosely) on the lighthearted comic operetta, "The Bat" (Die Fledermaus), written by the "Waltz King" Johann Strauss, Jr., this concert event, designed for children, sparkles with fun and lively music, all wrapped around a story that features the mysterious Bat-Man, the biggest prankster of them all. Dating back to 1874, the original "Die Fledermaus" is considered by most critics to be the greatest of all Viennese operettas-and in the hands of the Symphony, led by Assistant Conductor Roger Kalia, the story enjoys a local spin to bring the tale vividly home for children and adults alike. In-between are some of the irresistible waltzes and arias made famous by Strauss II.

This 45-minute Family Musical Mornings performance, featuring singers from Chapman University, is presented by Farmers and Merchants Bank. Especially suited for children ages 5-11, but also fun for parents, grandparents and everyone else, "Fledermaus: The Bat-Man's Revenge-Opera for Kids!" takes place Saturday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets are $15-$66; for more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

"Being able to present a semi-staged opera every year for kids is a true joy for me and the orchestra," says Maestro Kalia. "This opera, in particular, is perfect for young audiences because of the highly melodic musical tunes and very entertaining storyline. The way in which the music compliments the action is pure genius, and I think our audience will really enjoy watching our extremely talented singers perform with the orchestra all on stage. Typically, in opera, the orchestra is in the pit, but for this production, we will have the full orchestra on stage with the singers."

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