Collaborative production of adored operetta ‘Die Fledermaus’ to be performed by College of Charleston and Charleston Symphony

College of Charleston Opera and the College’s Department of Theatre and Dance will stage Die Fledermaus. Known as one of the world’s most beloved operettas, Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus tells the story of a practical joke with unintended consequences. Rife with mistaken identities, flirtation, seduction, and champagne, this farcical comedy has a captivating score sure to delight and enchant audiences of all ages.

Directed by Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre and 2015 alumnus Peter Spearman, College of Charleston’s production of Die Fledermaus “promises a good time for its characters, performers, and audience all at once,” comments Spearman.

With the task of choosing an opera to perform, Director of the College of Charleston Opera program Saundra DeAthos-Meers must consider many aspects of the production to decide which will be the perfect choice for the College. “…I make the difficult decision of choosing a mainstage opera every year to share the stage with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. This opera needs to be accessible, well-known, and singable for 18-to-23-year-old singers, not to mention you need to have the voices available to sing these challenging roles. Die Fledermaus is the perfect choice for this cohort,” she states.

This mischievous opera is a collaboration between the College’s Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Music and is presented alongside musicians from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. DeAthos-Meers is the production’s associate director and Wojciech Milewski is the orchestra conductor. Under Spearman’s overall production direction, the College of Charleston will bring the jovial spirit of Die Fledermaus to the stage in February.

DETAILS:  Performances of Die Fledermaus will take place at the Sottile Theatre (44 George St.), February 24 and 25 at 7:00p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $50, and includes discounts for CofC students, military/veterans, seniors (60+), and youth (18 and under). Tickets can be purchased at George Street Box Office online at go.cofc.edu/opera, by emailing [email protected], or by calling (843) 953-4726.