WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 15, 2017 — Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss, Jr., will be performed by West Liberty University music students on Feb. 23 and 24. The opera will be staged at 7:30 p.m. both nights in the Elbin Auditorium, College Hall.
Directed by Professor Linda Cowan, the opera’s world premiere was in Vienna in 1874.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and we hope that many community opera fans join us for the show. Besides our fine music students, we have one surprise guest in the speaking role of the jailer,” said Cowan.
Music and Theatre Department adjunct professor Debbie Breiding will be the piano accompanist.
A supreme example of Viennese operetta, Die Fledermaus is a story that centers on a lavish masked ball, given by a Russian prince. Consisting of three acts, it will last approximately two and a half hours.
Principal characters include:
- Adele, a chambermaid: senior Anna Gross (Martinsburg, W.Va.)
- Rosalinda: junior Gabrielle Bennett (Weirton, W.Va.)
- Eisenstein: junior John Heiserman (Weirton, W.Va.)
- Alfred: junior Brent Kimball (Follansbee, W.Va.)
- Sally: sophomore Lindsay Six (Wellsburg, W.Va.)
- Dr. Falke: senior Brady Dunn (Fairmont, W.Va.)
- Dr. Blind: sophomore Evan Williams (Fairmont, W.Va.)
- Frank: senior Alex Gordon (Wheeling)
- Prince Orlofsky: Elizabeth Conley (Martinsburg, W.Va.)
- Ivan, his valet: Chad Grubb (Martinsburg, W.Va.)
- Frosch, the jailer – SURPRISE guest
Hilltop Opera is just one performance option for students at WLU. Others include the University Singers, Wind Ensemble, College Community Chorus, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Electronic Music Ensemble.
The Division of Music at West Liberty University offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music performance, and music technology.
For complete information, please contact music@westliberty.edu or the Department of Music and Theater Office at 304-336-8006.