Northwestern State University Opera Theater Ensemble to present “Die Fledermaus”

NATCHITOCHES - The Northwestern State University Opera Theater Ensemble will present Johannes Strauss' "Die Fledermaus" on Nov. 15-16 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is $5. NSU, BPCC@NSU and Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts students will be admitted free with a current student I.D.

"Die Fledermaus" is one of the most ideal operettas for a collegiate opera program to perform said director Robert Cardwell. The music is accessible to young students, while offering some challenging and fun vocal moments. Cardwell said NSU's production of "Die Fledermaus" is set in 1890s Natchitoches.

In the operetta, after a slight misunderstanding involving a meat pie and some wine, Gabriel von Eisenstein is sentenced to five days in jail for attacking a waiter at Lasyone's. However, due to Eisenstein's bad temper, he manages to insult the judge during his court hearing and his sentence is increased to eight days. Dr. Falke arrives at Eisenstein's home, convinces him to skip the first night of his jail sentence, and attend a party full of drinking and women at the villa of Prince Orlofsky - "The jail will still be there in morning."

Little does Eisenstein know that the party is one big ploy set up by Falke to get back at him for a rather unfortunate prank from over a year ago. Learning of her husband's betrayal, Rosalinda von Eisenstein also decides to join the party. The night is sure to be full of comedy and debauchery.

The cast is Douglas Flores as Gabriel von Eisenstein, Emilie Comeaux as Rosalinda, Clairie Parent and Eileen Ashley as Adele, Alexander Wollhaib as Dr. Falke, Gabriel Polo as Alfredo, Dominick Saldivar as Frank, Brooke Jones and Cadence Carpio as Prince Orlofsky, Tyla Stewart as Ida, Nina Ovalle as Dr. Blind, Kat Wilkinson as FroshandAbbygail Casnave as Ivan(a).

Partygoers are sopranos Dorcia Gillam, Audrey Gorum and Nina Ovalle, altos Kat Wilkinson and Julian Peschoff, tenors Luke Niedens, Polo and Juan Campos and Lyle Harriman and Joshua Noyola singing bass.