Source: Marci Maullar, 785-532-6878, marcima@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Megan Wilson, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009

K-STATE OPERA TO PRESENT 'DIE FLEDERMAUS' MARCH 5-7

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas State University Opera Theater will present Johann Strauss Jr.'s "Die Fledermaus" at 7:30 p.m. March 5-7 in McCain Auditorium.

"Die Fledermaus" is one of the most enduring and celebrated operettas in the world and features waltzes, polkas and lively melodies. The show will examine the extravagant life of the upper class in late 19th-century Vienna. "Die Fledermaus," which roughly translates to "The Bat," involves practical jokes, mistaken identities, disguises and royal parties.

Reginald Pittman, associate professor of music and director of the K-State opera program, will direct the show. The music is provided by the K-State Orchestra, under the direction of David Littrell, university distinguished professor of music. Costume design is by Mary Rutherford, alumni guest artist, while scenic design is by Kathy Voecks, assistant professor of theater. Dan Matthews, assistant professor of theater, is the lighting designer.

The show also will feature different guest performers each night portraying entertainers in the Prince Orlofsky party scene. The chorus for "Die Fledermaus" will feature singers from the K-State Collegiate Chorale, a student chorus that includes vocal music majors and non-majors. Also appearing in the show are Amy Rosine, K-State assistant professor of voice, as Rosalinda, and Charles Faulk, a Manhattan resident, as Frosch.

Tickets are $10 for students, $13 for military and seniors and $15 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the McCain box office from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or at the K-State Union's Little Theater box office from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To order by phone, call 785-532-6428 during box office hours. For information on group discounts, call Marci Maullar at 785-532-6878.

K-State students performing in the show include:

Cassity Mitchell, junior in music education, Bonner Springs, as Ida; Luke Johnson, graduate student in theater, Chanute, as Dr. Falke; Bryan Pinkall, graduate student in music, Great Bend, as Baron von Eisenstein; Mai Shibahara, graduate student in music, Manhattan, as Adele; Anthony Francisco, senior in applied music, Parsons, as Frank; Jessie Freyermuth, graduate student in music, Shawnee, as Prince Orlofsky; and Griff Letch, senior in music, Topeka, as Alfred.

From out of state: Matt Sommer, sophomore in music education, Papillion, Neb., as Dr. Blind.