Strauss Opera 'Die Fledermaus' Waltzes into Bankhead Theater March 13, 2010

Sat, March 13 & 20, 8pm; Sun, March 14 & 21, 2pm; Opening Night Gala Sat, March 13, 5pm

Livermore Valley Opera (LVO) will present the well-known opera "Die Fledermaus (The Bat) by the "waltz king" Johann Strauss at the Bankhead Theater, in downtown Livermore. This romantic comedy, performed in English, will be on the following dates: Saturday Opening Night Gala Tribute to John Shirley: March 13. Gala 5:00pm (separate ticket). Curtain 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 14, 2:00pm Matinee and Family Ice Cream Sunday; Saturday March 20, 8:00pm; Sunday March 21, 2:00pm Matinee.
"Die Fledermaus is a fun and laughable opera," says Jim Schmidt, LVO's Managing Director. "Because it will be performed in English rather than the traditional German, it's a great opportunity for someone who has never been to opera before. You'll catch all the humor and hilarious antics of the characters."

Die Fledermaus is the story of Gabriel von Eisenstein, who through the incompetence of his lawyer, has been sentenced to spend eight days in the town jail. Although the situation is seemingly tragic, Eisenstein, his wife Rosalinda, and their ambitious maid, Adele, have devised their own convoluted plots to get the most out of the situation. At a magnificent ball, Rosalinda works to catch her philandering husband in a flirtatious act, while a drunken jailer, new friends and relationships round out the evening, ending with one of the most famous drinking songs in opera.

The March 13 opening night gala will honor decorated war hero, former Mayor of Livermore, long-time supporter and past LVO president John Shirley.

The Gala begins at 5:00 p.m. with appetizers and wine. The Gala is a separately ticketed event for $50.

March 14 is Family Ice Cream Sunday and Behind-the-Scenes walk. All patrons will receive free ice cream in the lobby during intermission. After the show, students and their parents will have an opportunity to go on stage.

Tickets: Adults $29-$49, Opening Night, March 13. $39-$59, March 14, 20, and 21. Students $10 off on all days.

Official Website: http://livermorevalleyopera.org