Strauss operetta “Die Fledermaus” takes center stage at La Sierra

How does one survive a particularly embarrassing practical joke? By playing a greater joke on the prankster, of course.

This is the crux of the story “Die Fledermaus,” or “The Bat,” told as a lively, humorous operetta composed by Johann Strauss II and first performed in 1874. La Sierra University's music department will present this humorous tale of trickery, revenge, betrayal, love and friendship in a staged and costumed production featuring a double cast over three performances. “Die Fledermaus” will be presented on Feb. 23 and 24 at 7 p.m., and at 3 p.m. on March 3.

The story revolves around the lead character Gabriel von Eisenstein and his ill-fated prank in which he leaves his intoxicated friend, Falke, in the town center dressed as a bat to endure embarrassing ridicule the next day. Falke bides his time and extracts revenge a year later by inviting Eisenstein, who faces a two-week jail sentence, to a masquerade ball Falke has orchestrated at the palace of Prince Orlofsky. Falke suggests to Eisenstein he might woo the women at the party and sustain his prison sentence with happy memories.

As the party progresses, Eisenstein flirts with a woman who is actually his wife, Rosalinde, disguised in costume, and who Falke also invited to the ball along with several other key characters, including the jail warden and Adele, Eisenstein's chambermaid.

Eisenstein's fate and the comedic twists and turns of “Die Fledermaus” will evolve on stage at La Sierra's Hole Memorial Auditorium. Cast members include Joshua Rivera as Eisenstein, Paulette Jumalon and Stephanie Jones as Rosalinde, Sara Pinto da Silva and Rachel Rojas as Prince Orlofsky, Allison Cheng and Susana Leiva as Adele.

Prime seating is $15 general public; $10 senior citizens. General admission tickets for open seating sections are $10 each, senior citizens, $8. Tickets may be purchased online at orgsync.com/30925/forms/64423 or by calling 951-785-2036 between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 3:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., or 9 - 11:30 a.m. on Friday. A $2 convenience fee will be charged for all online transactions.

The operetta is among Strauss's most popular operatic works. As a composer of more than 500 waltzes, polkas, and other dance music, he is also known as the Waltz King. His best known such works include “The Blue Danube” and “Tales from the Vienna Woods.” The work's libretto is by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée.