Stage Door News
Stage Door News
TORONTO, ON – Independent opera company, Opera 5 will be mounting an immersive version of Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus, taking place June 8-11 at Bathurst 918. The opera was first performed in 1874, however Opera 5 will reimagine the show in modern times, with an updated script by Opera 5 Artistic Director, Aria Umezawa. The second act of the opera, which takes place at a lavish party, will be an interactive experience. Audience members will be invited to dance with cast members, try their luck at “gambling tables” and will actively participate in moving the plot forward. The ballet is replaced with a cabaret featuring performances by secret local artists, who might not traditionally be seen at the opera.
The cast features young, Canadian talent including tenor, Michael Barrett, as Eisenstein; Calagary Opera Emerging Artist alumnae, Julie Ludwig, as Adele, and Erin Lawson as Orlofsky; and Opera 5 General Director, Rachel Krehm, as Rosalinde. Toronto drag artist, Pearle Harbour will replace the spoken role of Ivan, and act as Emcee for the evening. Patrick Hansen, Head of Opera Studies at the Schulich School of Music, will act as Music Director and conductor, and Aria Umezawa will be staging the production with Co-Director Jessica Derventzis.
“Whether we’re presenting a piece that is out of the ordinary, or pairing food with opera, we like to create unique experiences for our audience members.” Says Umezawa. “Not only will the evening be out of the ordinary, but you’ll be able to determine what kind of night you have. Maybe you’ll dance with a cast member, or hang back and just watch the drama unfold.”
Opera 5 is an exciting, new, independent opera company in Toronto. It is run by two Toronto-born women: Rachel Krehm, General Director, and Aria Umezawa, Artistic Director. The company is known for its popular web series titled Opera Cheats, which deconstructs opera plots and opera-going rules with a humorous twist. You can check them out at http://www.youtube.com/user/OperaFive.
Opera 5 is generously supported by Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council for this production.
Die Fledermaus
June 8th-11th/8:00PM
918 Bathurst
Tickets: $25 for Students, $40 for General, and $50.00 VIP which includes an invitation to a cast party, and complimentary beverages.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://opera5.yapsody.com, and will be available at the door (cash and credit).
2016-05-22
Toronto: Opera 5 presents an immersive production of Strauss's "Die Fledermaus" June 8-11