Kicking off IPR’s broadcasts is a performance by the Des Moines Metro Opera’s 2018 production of Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus.
Die Fledermaus is described as an “effervescent and sparkling confection” that contains “familiar melodies” and “delightful charm.” A tale about a friend who plays a joke on another friend, the story will bring laughter to all listeners.
“This operetta doesn’t have a serious bone in its body,” David Gately, stage director of Die Fledermaus says. From the beginning, he searched for cast members that were not only incredible singers and actors, but comedians as well. Gately created a “Gatsby-esque” setting for the opera, and tells listeners to “grab a glass of champagne or two, sit back and enjoy!” Guest conductor, Robert Moody, has a real knack for Viennese music having lived and conducted there for several years.
Strauss II, often referred to the “King of Waltzes” wrote the operetta in the 1870s. It premiered in Vienna in 1874 and soon after appeared in America in 1879. 100 years later, it was performed at the Des Moines Metro Opera, and returned to Indianola this past summer.
The Des Moines Metro Opera cast for Die Fledermaus includes:
Rosalinda - Susannah Biller, soprano
Eisenstein - David Pershall, baritone
Adele - Anna Christy, soprano
Alfred - Taylor Stayton, tenor
Prince Orlovsky - Sarah Larsen, mezzo-soprano
Dr. Falke - Troy Cook, baritone
Dr. Blind - Thomas J. Capobianco, tenor
Frank - Craig Irvin, baritone
Sally - Abigail Paschke, soprano
Frosch - Brian Frutiger, tenor
Ivan - Craig Juricka, baritone
The Des Moines Metro Opera’s Die Fledermaus broadcast opens Iowa Public Radio’s Arias in April series. Die Fledermaus will be followed by two more mainstage Des Moines Metro Opera productions, Rusalka and Flight. Luther College’s 2018 production of Così fan Tutte, and the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre’s 2018 performance of Turandot will polish off IPR’s Arias in April series.
Arias in April show times will be:
Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 11 pm
*Die Fledermaus will air on IPR Classical on April 6th and 7th.
