Music department to stage satirical operetta, “Die Fledermaus”

 

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – This weekend, the opera program at La Sierra University will present a beloved 19th century satirical operetta, “Die Fledermaus,” starring a cast of the music department’s top talent.

<p> Dr. Raejin Lee, Director of Vocal Studies at La Sierra University and director of the music department's opera and musical productions. (Photo: Natan Vigna) </p>

Dr. Raejin Lee, Director of Vocal Studies at La Sierra University and director of the music department's opera and musical productions. (Photo: Natan Vigna)

<p> An image of the 2013 production of "Die Fledermaus" at La Sierra University. (Photo: Natan Vigna) </p>

An image of the 2013 production of "Die Fledermaus" at La Sierra University. (Photo: Natan Vigna)

“Die Fledermaus” is German for “The Bat” and the operetta is sometimes referred to as “The Revenge of the Bat.” It is composed by Austrian Johann Strauss II with a German libretto by Karl Hafner and Richard Genée. “Die Fledermaus” was completed in 1873 and premiered in 1874. It tells the tale through a comedic lens of a wealthy Viennese man-about-town whose marriage is unraveling while other main characters engage in acts of deceit. In the end, forgiveness prevails and everyone is wished happiness.

La Sierra University’s production of “Die Fledermaus” will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. Performances will be held in Hole Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $8 students, $15 seniors aged 55 and over, $20 general admission. Tickets are available for online purchase at https://www.itickets.com. University protocol for Covid-19 is in effect for event attendance.

La Sierra’s production of “Die Fledermaus” will be presented in concert form with the La Sierra University Orchestra on stage behind the singers. Roles will be played as follows, with some double-cast for the two performances: Rosalinda--Alexander McBride and Tashyanna Simpson; Adele--Hannah Chang; Eisenstein--Ernesto Herrera Miranda; Alfred--Xavier Torres Vega; Dr. Blind--Nicole Tiburcio; Dr. Falke--Mark Cimino; Frank--Juliana Baioni; Sally--Iman Haq; Prince Orlofsky--Bridget Lee; Guests at the Party--Briana Garcia and Jessica Taff.

An operetta, or small opera, is lighter than an opera in terms of subject, size, and work length, and usually contains satirical content, explains Director of Vocal Studies and opera director Raejin Lee. The comedic nature of “Die Fledermaus” offers a respite as the region continues to struggle with the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, she noted. “Many people are experiencing mental depression as their recovery to daily life is delayed due to the Covid-19, and we hope that through our performances, they will laugh a lot and [find healing],” she said.

For further information contact the music department at music@lasierra.edu or 951-785-2036.

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