Opera San José opens its 2019-2020 season with lighthearted production of Die Fledermaus
Rousing celebrations, mistaken identities, and bubbly champagne! What else could you ask for in an operatic comedy? Opera San José opens its 2019-2020 season with Johnann Strauss’ iconic Die Fledermaus, or “The Bat”. Set in 19th century Vienna, the operetta showcases a playful evening full of partying, flirting, and deception at the center of the villainous Dr. Falke’s elaborate plan for revenge. Unlike many other operas, Die Fledermaus, is sung in German, but accompanied with English dialogue, allowing the audience to easily immerse themselves in the performance.
Comedy plays a central role in this opera. The scene opens to the maid, Adele (Elena Galván), pretending to ask her mistress if she can visit her “sick aunt” to attend a party. However, she cannot contain her excitement, and does a comically horrible job at pretending to look sad. Rosalinde (Maria Natale) dramatically melts at the voice of her lover while her husband is away and has the audience laughing without delay. One of the crowd favorites’ is the drunken dancing of Frosch (Jesse Merlin), the warden of the prison, who exudes a sense of jollines that keeps the audience clutching their bellies with laughter. Even the serious grand Prince Orlofsky, is played by female Stephanie Sanchez for humorous purposes. Another funny scene in the opera is when Frosch and von Eisenstein, (Eugene Brancoveanu), merrily dance around full of champagne and unaware that one of them is supposed to arrest the other. 
Similarly to most operas, the singing and acting are the main focal point of each character's performance, but these elements are lead by the joyous and climatic music. Starting with the overture, Strauss’ score for Die Fledermaus seems to plunge viewers into a world of fantasy complete with upbeat waltzes and ebullient melodies. Even for audience members unfamiliar with the world of operatic scores or classical music in general, the music is recognizable and accompanies the talented harmonies of soprano, tenor, baritone and chorus.
Last, but not least is the wonderfully built set complete with golden adornments and tall towers add a sense of depth. It hints at a golden bird cage similar to the one sung about in Act 1 by Adele, Rosalinde, and von Eisenstein; the three delightedly sing about their “tearful” good-bye and compare the jail that von Eisenstein, unbenounced to them, is destined to enter to a bird cage. All three, unaware of how their friend Dr. Falke has set them up, are actually singing in anticipation of a grand party they are invited to go to. 
Opera San José has once again crafted a masterpiece that intertwines passionate and powerful singing with a gloriously creative set and hilarious acting. Perfect for children, teens, and adults alike. With entertaining acting, exceptional voices, and eye-catching costumes Die Fledermaus is a comedy that is not to miss.Watch Opera San José’s production of Die Fledermaus at the California Theater right in Downtown San Jose from 9/14-9/29. See https://www.operasj.org/die-fledermaus/ for more details!
