DIE  FLEDERMAUS
Johann Strauss'
A Comic Opera in Three Acts
The University of Delaware Opera Theatre
and
The University of Delaware Chamber Orchestra
present
Directed by
Dr. Blake Smith

Conductor
Dr. Brian Stone

Sets by
Eddy Seger
Directed by
Dr. Blake Smith

Conductor
Dr. Brian Stone

Sets by
Eddy Seger
The challenge was to transform the beautiful and versatile (read: gym-like)
Puglisi Concert Hall (sans stage) into a Viennese dance hall, complete with
tables, refreshments and drink.  Dr. Smith chose to put the orchestra behind
the action - always visible - lending itself to the presentational nature of the
work.  The wagons provided two of the three interiors required, with the
room acting as the third.  A short railing set the orchestra apart from the
dance floor.  Seger incorporated two paintings after Watteau and Boucher to
augment several themes of the story - love and a servant's lament.  For only
the second time in this room, temporary theatrical lighting was installed to
illuminate the operetta.
Once turned around, the
residence becomes the jail, bars
and all.  Dr. Stone is a constant
presence between the walls and
at times becomes part of the
action.
Seger created a plaster boar's
head for Act I.  Adele found the
dish quite disgusting.
The Eisenstein Home.
Eisenstein prepares for a party while his wife thinks
he is going off to jail and the maid is contemplating
a stolen evening of merriment.
The drunken jailer, Frosh, is
annoyed at the singing of one
of his prisoners.
Eisenstein - in the guise of his
lawyer - has caught his wife and
her suitor in a compromising
situation.
February/March 2011
Seger fashioned a 12' screen
for the songs' supertitles.
Before you suffer a hangover in your cell,
you must enjoy life.
The second act takes place in the elegant
home of Prince Orlofsky - orchestra
included.  The audience is invited to join the
festivities and waltz.