Palm Beach Opera presents Johann Strauss II’s high-spirited opera “Die Fledermaus” in a colorful production at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts for one weekend only, March 22-24.
The last opera of the company’s 2018-2019 season, “Die Fledermaus” is a comedic series of mischief, intrigue, and revenge set at a lavish Viennese ball, complete with colorful costumes and a traditional set. Dona D. Vaughn, Artistic Director of Maine’s PORTopera, will direct the production, and Palm Beach Opera’s Chief Conductor David Stern, after leading the company’s acclaimed production of “Don Giovanni,” will lead the orchestra.
World-renowned mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, who was last seen at Palm Beach Opera in the acclaimed 2017 production of “Pirates of Penzance,” will sing the famed role of Orlofsky. One of the most notable singers of her generation, Blythe has sung at leading opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Opera National de Paris among others, and was recently named Artistic Director of Bard College Conservatory of Music’s Vocal Arts Program.
In a Palm Beach Opera debut, tenor Zach Borichevsky, who recently performed in “La Bohème” at English National Opera, will sing the role of Eisenstein. Praised for her “large, steely instrument,” and “coloratura flourishes,” Palm Beach Opera’s Benenson Young Artist Emily Blair will sing the role of Rosalinde, marking her company principal role debut.
American soprano Diana Newman, who recently performed in Das Rheingold for Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “Ring” cycle, will perform as Adele in a company debut. After a recent debut with LA Opera, Jack Swanson will sing the role of Alfredo in another debut performance. Tobias Greenhalgh, an alumnus of the Benenson Young Artist Program and recently seen in the company’s production of “Candide,” will return as Dr. Falke. Recognized by the Chicago Sun-Times for his “rich, dark tone and beautiful legato” and last seen at Palm Beach Opera in the 2014 production of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” Wayne Tigges returns to sing the role of Frank.
Recipient of the Curtain Up Award and several Carbonell Awards, John Felix will make his Palm Beach Opera debut in the role of Frosch. Palm Beach Opera Apprentice Artist Michael Anderson, who recently performed as a soloist with Dayton Philharmonic and in the “Bernstein Songfest,” will sing the role of Dr. Blind.
A recipient of an American Theatre Wing Henry Hewes Design Award and two Off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Awards, lighting designer Tyler Micoleau will mark his Palm Beach Opera debut in this production. Choreographer Mara Newbery Greer, who choreographed Palm Beach Opera’s recent production of “Candide,” returns to the company to design elegant dance routines for the chorus.
“Die Fledermaus” will be sung in English with English supertitles above the stage. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 22 and 23, and at 2 p.m. on March 24. Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase at pbopera.org or by calling the box office at 561-833-7888.
On March 23 at 1 p.m. at the Kravis Center, Palm Beach Opera will also present “Children’s Performance: The Revenge of the Bat,” a 60-minute abridged family-friendly version of the opera, starring the company’s Benenson Young Artists and Apprentice Artists. Families can enjoy Education Stations before the show, beginning at 11:30 a.m., to explore instruments, costumes, and other interactive activities. Immediately following the performance, there will be a cast meet and greet and an opportunity for autographs. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and can be purchased at pbopera.org or by calling the box office at 561-833-7888.
Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence and to enriching the life of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents main stage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.