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| DIE FLEDERMAUS |
| Johann Strauss' |
| A Comic Opera in Three Acts |
| The University of Delaware Opera Theatre and The University of Delaware Chamber Orchestra present |
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| 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 |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Before you suffer a hangover in your cell, you must enjoy life. |
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| The second act takes place in the elegant home of Prince Orlofsky - orchestra included. The audience is invited to join the festivities and waltz. |