Comedy of confused identities

Press, 5 October 1988, Page 23

Comedy of confused identities

Canterbury Opera combines low fun with high style in Johann Strauss’

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Canterbury Opera has chosen one of the most popular operas, “Die Fledermaus,” as its second 1988 production. Strauss’ famous opera will be staged at the Theatre Royal on October 19, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29 and November 1.

The regional opera trust will combine again with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and also with the Southern Ballet and Dance Theatre for the season. The Court’s Elric Hooper is back as director, having missed the “Rigoletto” season earlier this year. He has directed Canterbury Opera’s other major seasons. The musical director is Wellington’s William Southgate. The freelance composer and conductor was in Christchurch in April for the world prem-

iere of his second symphony.

Russell Kerr, the Southern Ballet artistic director, is the choreographer.

The cast includes as many New Zealanders as possible — a policy of the opera trust. Wendy Dixon, who starred in the “Rigoletto” season, is back as Roslinda, with Christchurch’s James Baines playing Dr Falke and Wellingtonian Michael Burch playing Eisenstein. Michael Burch settled in his home town less than a year ago after a career in England and Europe. Elizabeth Biggs is Adele. Biggs is from California. Since arriving in New Zealand she has sung in two New Zealand opera productions and with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Angela and Graeme Gorton of Christchurch will sing Orlofsky and Frank. Both have been

integral to Canterbury Opera productions. “Die Fledermaus” is Graeme’s fifth opera with the trust

and Angela’s first. However, she has been a trust board member since the board’s inception.

A frequent soloist with Christchurch choirs, Peter Williams, will take the role of Alfred.

Well known lawyer Mervyn Glue has a nonsinging role as the drunken jailer, Frosch, Peter Banens is Dr Blind and Glenda Bailey Allin is Ida.

Strauss’ comedy is the story of Dr Falke’s revenge on his friend, Eisenstein, who one night left him drunk and in his fancy dress bat costume in the town square. The doctor had to make his way home next morning amid the jeers of the populace who dubbed him Dr Bat.

His revenge plot includes maids in disguise, countesses in masks, a glittering ball, mistaken identities and a compromising situation with his own wife.

Tom Taylor has designed the set and Peter Lees-Jefferies the costumes. Elric Hooper has set the opera in pre-First-World-War Vienna.