MSU Opera presents Strauss’ 'Die Fledermaus' Nov. 7-10

For the past 25 years, Morehead State University Opera has been providing unique and valuable stage experience for voice majors in MSU’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. This year, MSU’s talented students will provide an evening of waltzes and a few polkas courtesy of the popular operetta “Die Fledermaus.”

The show runs nightly at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, through Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Duncan Recital Hall in the Baird Music Building. Tickets are $5 (cash or check only) and MSU students will be admitted free for one night only on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

“Die Fledermaus” is the most famous operetta from Vienna’s famous waltz king Johann Strauss Jr. Also known as “The Revenge of the Bat,” it is a story of two fraternity brothers, Falke and Eisenstein, their mischievous pranks, a little bit of harmless flirtation and a lot of champagne. At the center of it all is one of the most familiar and well-loved arias in the operatic literature, Adele’s “Laughing Song.” It is a tradition for mystery guest artists to appear in the Act Two grand party in the villa of Prince Orlofsky, so audiences should prepare for a few surprises.

The party atmosphere will extend to the audience during the intermission before Act II when there will be a “champagne” reception in the lobby. Audience members are invited to dress in their favorite costumes and to share a glass of imitation bubbly with cast members. 

In addition to featuring 21 MSU students in the cast (with many lead roles being double-cast), several successful alumni and special guests will be appearing in the show. 

Amanda Balltrip will perform the lead role of Rosalinda. A former student of Dr. Roma Prindle, associate professor of voice and founder of the MSU OperaWorks ensemble, Balltrip is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and a Kentucky District winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Earlier this year, she made her solo debut at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center singing the role of Elizabeth in Angela Rice’s “Thy Will Be Done” with the National Chorale. 

Dustin Stevens is double-cast in the role of Alfred. He is a vocal performance graduate of MSU and received the Master of Music at the University of Louisville. He recently performed the role of Don Ottavio in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” with the Akademia Musika of Poland in Katowice. 

Also appearing as Alfred is Matt Hammond, a recent MSU graduate. He has recently assumed the position of director of choirs at his alma mater, Lawrence County High School. 

Ryan Wardell will perform the role of Frank. He holds both Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in vocal performance from Morehead State University, and currently sings with the Vocal Arts Ensemble in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

MSU music instructor William Murphy will serve as pianist for the show.

MSU Opera received a generous grant from the MSU Arts and Humanities Council and the Hinkle Foundation, which allowed them to contract the guest artists for this production.

To learn more about MSU Opera, contact Dr. Roma Prindle at 606-783-2481 or r.prindle@moreheadstate.edu. For more information on the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, contact 606-783-2473, mtd@moreheadstate.edu or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/mtd.