Asheville Lyric Opera presents “Die Fledermaus: A Historical Party” in October
August 12, 2014
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Come and see the Asheville Lyric Opera’s adaptation of Die Fledermaus, coming October 2014!
Adapted to reflect the cultural aristocracy of the Southern Appalachian Mountains at the turn of the century, the opera’s famous second act is set during a party at the “Giltmore” (the home of the famous “Vanderburgs”). Asheville is known for having stories of famous families (the Vanderbilts) and international artists (Enrico Caruso) visiting and attending spectacular events at famous locations (the Grove Park Inn). These historic events have inspired our opera’s artistic staff in a new adaptation melding it with all the wonderful color of mountain history. ALO has conducted research on the history of Western North Carolina at the turn of the century to ensure our audience will get a vision and feel of what the culture was like. Copious toasts will be made as the evening, full of romantic comedy, unfolds the elegance of the era.
The setting of our version of Die Fledermaus, occurring in 1913, draws inspiration from a couple of local historic New Years Eve parties that took place in the early 1900s. Guests invited to these parties included the movers and shakers of New York, Boston, and the European aristocracies. Guests invited to the New Years Eve party in our adaptation will include Counts, tycoons of industry, and military heroes reflecting what was going on nationally and internationally at the time. Befitting the gracious etiquette of the upper-class, guests were treated as if the homes of the aristocracy were their very own. Each party was made grand with entertainment from artists, dancers, and musicians. History tells us that one local party hosted the Russian cabaret and theatrical troupe, La Chauve-Souris. How fitting for our story that this is the French term for “Die Fledermaus” – “the bat”! The music of Eastern Europe will be heard in Act II in the famous “Czardas” performed by the role of Rosalinda.
Basing this cultural adaptation on historical research, Director Jon Truitt has rewritten the libretto in English in order to capture all the glamour and opulence of these lavish, upper-class parties in ALO’s Die Fledermaus. Asheville Lyric Opera is thrilled to offer audiences of Western North Carolina a glimpse of the history of this region through a classic, operetta production.
PERFORMANCE DATES WITH SUNDAY MATINEE
Friday, October 3, 2014, 8pm AND Sunday, October 5, 2014 Matinee at 3pm
Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, NC
Tickets are on sale now at the theater box office: 828-257-4530, or online at www.ashevillelyric.org.
For schools and community groups, tickets to the Die Fledermaus: An Appalachian Party October 1, 2014 Preview Dress Rehearsal at 7pm are available only through the Asheville Lyric Opera office. Call ALO at 828-236-0670 to make your reservations.