Die Fledermaus

WAAPA’s Die Fledermaus is a funny, modern take on Strauss’ opera. Performed by WAAPA Classical Voice students, accompanied by the WAAPA Symphony Orchestra and designed, built, and crewed by WAAPA Production and Design students, this was a well performed, easy to watch production which delighted its opening night audience.

Performed by two alternating casts, with a ‘permanent’ ensemble and continuous casting of some of the smaller roles, opening night saw “Vodka Cast” performing. Other audiences may see “Champagne Cast”.

Set mostly in Sydney in the early 1990s, Amalia Lambert’s luxurious set served multiple locations with minimal changes, sensitively and cleverly lit by Rhys Pottinger’s lighting design. Costumes, designed by Kara Rosseau, are modern, but very elegant with some particularly showy pieces, and lovely use of colour.

Miriam Meakin sang beautifully in a sophisticated performance as Rosalind, working nicely with and against Brett Pearte as Eisenstein. Amber Read steals scenes with vocal firecrackers and a beautifully acted performance, with Nathan Breeze vocally very strong as Falke - the puppet master of this story.

Alessia Pintabona convincingly plays Ida, who sings a very unexpected song beautifully and is paired nicely with Kyle Garces as Frank, who has lovely comic timing. Morgan Halket is gorgeously flamboyant as Orlovsky (kudos to her hair stylist) who makes the most of this traditionally breeches role. 

In minor roles, Alexander Dilley plays well to the audience as Yvan, Ammon Bennet is charming as tradie Alfredo, Lachlan Higgins performs well as the incompetent Dr Blind. Aden Lewis gives a wonderful performance as Cheryl in a little surprise package of a role.

The orchestra are excellent, under the baton of visiting artist Burhan Güner. Singing is excellent throughout, but the iconic “Champagne Song” was particularly well performed.

Die Fledermaus was an excellent showcase of the talents of WAAPA students both on and offstage, but was also a great experience for the audience. I heard more than one audience member say “I didn’t know opera could be so much fun!"

Kimberley Shaw