January 31, 2003

VITERBO MUSIC AND THEATRE DEPARTMENTS COLLABORATE ON DIE FLEDERMAUS

LA CROSSE, Wis.—Die Fledermaus, the Austrian cornerstone of operatic repertoire, will be presented by the Viterbo University music and theatre departments Feb 28 through March 2 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

The opera explores misbehaving upper classes and includes deception, indiscretions, and mistaken identity.  About to be imprisoned for tax evasion, Eisenstein decides to have his "last hurrah" at a ball given by Prince Orlofsky.  His wife, Rosalinde, intends to spend the evening with her lover, Alfred, who is mistaken for her husband and escorted to prison.  Disguised as a Hungarian countess, Rosalinde attends the ball and is so convincing in her role that Eisenstein tries to seduce her, not knowing that she is his own wife.  And that’s just the beginning!  Audiences will also discover Johann Strauss’ lilting waltzes and memorable melodies in this production.

Die Fledermaus is sponsored by TCI and supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 1, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2.Tickets are $14/11.  For information, contact the Viterbo University Box Office at 608-796-3100

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