Guest Director Eric Gibson wants to keep "Die Fledermaus" light.
Some productions may dig deep into the subtext, foreboding of war and imprecations of marital discourse.
"There’s no reason to bring all that angst into it," Gibson said.
"We’ve retained the lightness and comic flair," he said. The aim is for the production
"not to take itself too seriously."
Gibson compared it to serving up chocolate cake. Why add any exotic ingredient?
The Johann Strauss will be staged Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Donnell Theatre in the
Wolfe Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15. Visit bgsu.edu/arts or call 419-372-8171.
"Die Fledermaus (The Bat)" made its premiere in 1874, but Gibson decided to set this production
in the 1920s and make the Act 2 ball "a raucous New year’s Eve Party," including some
cross-dressing, "not typical gowns and tuxedos."
It’s a time when "women are more empowered… and not so cookie-cutter and subservient to their
men."
A university press release sums up the plot: "The tale of "Die Fledermaus" begins in the
home of Gabriel von Eisenstein, a wealthy man of independent means. Eisenstein, his attractive wife,
Rosalinda, and the rest of the cast lead the audience on an amusing journey from bedroom to ballroom to
prison."
Gibson, who directs the LOOK Musical Theatre in Tulsa, OK. "I have more of an affinity toward the
comic stuff. That’s what I get brought in to do," he said.
This is his second guest position at BGSU. In fall, 2008 he directed "Albert Herring." Given
his experience then, "the students were very keen," he was pleased to return.
Now, though, instead of Kobacker Hall, he’ll be working in the new Donnell.
"The house is so intimate; the audience is so close," he said, "you get a whole different
feel."
The Donnell, Gibson said, "is all souped up with all sorts of wonderful technology." The
production will make use of those possibilities.
The cast is working hard to master the style of the opera. "There’s a certain amount of finesse that
comes with this opera style that takes time to perfect," he said. Women have to learn how to move
in the vintage costumes.
"It changes the whole way you stand, the way you walk. It changes your whole physical
vocabulary."
The cast includes: Rory Wallace as Eisenstein; Grace Hirt as Rosalinda; Clair Chardon as Adele; Tao Tong
as Alfred; Nick Gordon as Dr. Falke; Anthony Ferrer as Dr. Blind; Joel Trisel as Fran; Patty Kramer as
Prince Orlofsky; Rebekah Kroesing as Ida; CJ Barret as Yvan; and Geoff Stephenson as Frosch.
Gibson said the College of Musical Arts held auditions for singers, and based on what faculty heard they
decided to stage "Die Fledermaus."
Now in tech week, the cast has come together with the orchestra under the baton of Emily Freeman Brown.
Reacting to the first rehearsal with orchestra, Gibson said, "It was just exciting to watch and
listen. It brings it all together."
Gibson is also working with Kelly Wiegant Mangan, the scenic designer, Margaret McCubbin, wardrobe, and
Keith Hofacker, lighting designer.