The Vancouver Opera Orchestra conducted by Jacques Lacombe opened with the uplifting party music of the 1870’s backdropping a Bat Man costumed carouser (Dr. Falke)left by his drinking buddy (Eisenstein) on a park bench in the middle of Vienna. The musi was exquisitely synchronized with the passing baker, dog walker , street cleaner, school children, baby stroller, an immensely entertaining squirrel, hilarious judgemental nuns, and officious bankers. Wakening, surrounded ,this De Fledermause, Dr. Bat, the new scandal and laughter of the city escaped with a walk of shame that quickly turned to run. A wonderful opening to the brilliantly written 1960’s adaptation by Mark Crawford.
The play then shifted to the home of the Eisenstein, played by John Chest of immense vocal and acting range, the beautiful and extraordinary vocal wife Rosalinda, played by Lara Ciekiswicz and immensely funny and talented maid Adele, played by Clair de Sevigne,. Alfred , byplayed Owen McCausland was trying to seduce Rosalinde . Mr. Eisenstein is enticed by Dr. Falke playe by Peter Barret to attend a party with Hollywood theme at the Cinema of Count Orlofsky played by Mirella Lebel. Their lawyer, Dr. Blind a three stooges type was played by Lyndon Ladeur . The duets and solos were spectacular renditions. The set wsas terrific. The wit and humor was reminiscent of the Pink Panther with dialogue that John Cleese would enjoy. Strauss was never better served.
The next act at the Cinema took me back to high school. Such frivolity and chaos with all the confusion of costume balls and mismatched lovers. I so enjoyed the diverse characters from Star Trek, to Marilyn Monroe and no surprise the ultimate first champagne commercial. The first time I attended Die Fleidernause I was negatively struck by this drunken promotion and performance but tonight it was just a part of a truly wonderful hilarity. I suspect Director Ashlie Corcoran’s immense skill with choreographer Shelly Stewart Hunt’s light touch ensured this performance took the high ground of hilarious satire and didn’t descend into debauchery. The chorus and songs were performed so joyfully and upliftingly. The audience was laughing.
Of course the final act was in the Prison with Frosch, the jailer sharing humorous dialogue, the likes of which would have George Carlin and Voltaire chortling. Frank, played by Giles Tomkins, the jail director, dressed as Napoleon,was hilarious as well, The solo by Adelle on the life of an actress was rivetting funny, The duet by the Eisensteins lifted the roof while the chorus crescendoed with the music. Conductor Jacques Lacombe had us all join in with synchronized hand clapping audience participation. It was such a Queen like moment with Elton John costuming I almost expected women’s underwear to fall from the ceiling like an Alice Cooper event. It was that sort of fabulous opera. We could all have lit lighters and performed the wave . It was that outrageous and uplifting. With standing ovations and laughter we celebrated this superb performance . We all left the theatre feeling just a little bit like teen agers again . Such a fabulous show. Well done Vancouver Opera,
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