GLOW's Die Fledermaus! Plays Last Two Shows
By: Gabrielle Sierra
Following on their smash hit, Trial by Jury last November, Greenville Light Opera Works (GLOW) opened Johan Strauss II's operetta, Die Fledermaus to glowing reviews, delighting both critics and audience members alike! Paul Hyde, arts writer for The Greenville News said, "Die Fledermaus is an entertaining spring frolic that benefits greatly from several impressive voices."
Audiences found themselves swooning to Johann "The Waltz King" Strauss' delightful music and howling with laughter at the new and improvEd English translation by Quade Winter. Set in 1920's Vienna, Die Fledermaus follows the adventures of self-styled ladies man, Gabriel von Eisenstein. Eisenstein has just infuriated the local magistrate in court by loudly contesting a jaywalking citation, and has received three days in jail. But before turning himself over to the authorities, he can't resist an invitation to the "party of the century," thrown by the wealthy Russian Count Orlovsky. Even though he is married to the lovely Rosalinda, he can't resist a good evening of "wenching."Add to this good friend Dr. Falke, who has been plotting revenge on Eisenstein ever since he left him tied to a tree in the center of town, drunk and dressed in his Bat costume after a masquerade ball ten years earlier, and you have a stage set for great hilarity. You don't have to be an operetta aficionado to enjoy Die Fledermaus -- this light and lively score contains familiar tunes you'll love and some new tunes you're sure to love! Die Fledermaus stars Patrick Howle as Gabriel von Eisenstein, Serena Hill as Rosalinda von Eisenstein, Michael Hix as Dr. Falke, Brandon Snook as Alfred, Diana Thompson as Adele, Dixie Roberts as Count Orlovsky, with Michael LaRoche as Frank, Jonathan Kilpatrick as Blind and Bruce Meahl as Frosch, the drunken jailor. The cast of Die Fledermaus also features a special appearance by dancers from Carolina Ballet Theatre.Die Fledermaus has just two shows left this weekend: Friday, May 13th and Saturday, May 14th; both performances are 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults with discounts for seniors ($18) and students ($13). All seats are reserved. To order tickets, call the Centre Stage box office at 864-233-6733. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 2:00-6:00 p.m. and two hours before performances. For more information on Die Fledermaus and/or GLOW, visit GLOW's website at: www.greenvillelightoperaworks.com.