Show Toys With Current Economic Woes in Opera at Sonoma State

Deception, greed and foolishness set to lighthearted music puts Die Fledermaus, the latest production out of Sonoma State University, on a whole new level. Opera has never been so ... well, cool!

Featuring a cast of talented young singers, Die Fledermaus, or the bat's revenge as it's translated, is the perfect play to bridge the gap between traditional and modern opera that will appease old and young alike. Staying true to the original composer’s style gives this production that upbeat edge to keep you entertained.

 This is what Lynne Morrow, the music director and conductor for the show was aiming for.

“It’s my mission to help people understand they love opera,” she said.

The operetta, originally composed by Johann Strauss II in the late 1800s, features Dr. Falke (Zach Hasbany) as he seeks revenge on his friend Gabriel von Eisenstein for leaving him passed out drunk in the street, dressed as a bat.

Just as Eisenstein is about to leave to serve his sentence for dueling, Falke convinces him to attend one last ball hosted by Prince Orlovsky (Rachel Deatherage). Unbeknownst to Eisenstein, his wife Rosalinda (Christa Durand) and chambermaid Adele (Katie Foster) are also invited.

Die Fledermaus was not chosen solely for entertainment, but to show some contemporary value as well. Set in Bad Ischl — a large city in decline due to a global financial crisis — characters in Die Fledermaus must react to greed and debauchery on behalf of the bankers and accountants.

Hmm. Sound a bit familiar?

References to current political and social issues, as well as pop culture, make this rendition truly unique. But the fun plot is not all Sonoma State has on its side.  Unlike other adaptations of the opera, this Die Fledermaus did not slow down the original score, keeping true the composer’s vision and influences of decadence.

A live orchestra accompanied the performers: something new as well. At times they overshadowed the singers, causing the audience to lose focus, but their presence gave an exciting edge to the production.

“Strauss' music takes some skill and technique to perform,” Morrow said.

And not just on the musician’s behalf either. The vocal talent onstage was remarkable, not just in the quality of the notes hit, but in personal style as well. Durand stole the show as Rosalinda, and her presence was without a doubt the strongest. While all cast members had their own unique sound, there were several standout performances.

Christopher Trujillo as Alfred, Rosalinda’s (former?) lover stood out as a notable tenor as well as Deatherage, portraying the highly rambunctious Prince, the host of the party. 

The time put in by all the cast members was obvious to those who may not even like opera. 

“This is a really hard show to sing,” said Amanda McTigue, a stage director.

While great attention was paid to the vocals and orchestra, the show felt as if the choreography was a bit forced. An odd bit of “crumping” just felt awkward between waltzes and while the allusion to the risqué dancing of then and now was understood, it just wasn’t quite right.

The themes of corruption and self-indulgence make their mark throughout the operetta, however. Each character portrays upper-class snobbery, with vivid costumes to match their care-free attitude.

 “They’re party animals, wastrels,” McTigue said. “It was a playful way of dressing.”

Opera lovers and haters alike will adore the way that Die Fledermaus pokes fun at many of today's troubles. You walk out of the theatre forgetting you’ve just seen an operetta, and instead smile and laugh at the craziness and amusement of it all.

The show runs through Sun., Feb. 27 in Evert B. Person Theatre on the Sonoma State University campus. Times and prices are listed below.

Sat., Feb. 19 @ 7:30

Sun., Feb. 20 @ 5:00

Thu., Feb. 24 @ 7:30

Fri., Feb. 25 @ 7:30

Sat., Feb. 26 @ 7:30

Sun., Feb. 27 @ 2:00

Prices: $9 Students/Seniors, $14 Faculty and Staff, $16 General Admission

SSU Students are free.