The new production of Revenge of the Bat (Die Fledermaus) was a winning match for Co-Opera’s unique, vivacious and irreverent style. I was awed by the amazing performance of the stage members and the orchestra. Sung and spoken in English, the production is staged in the glamorous high society of the 1920, with settings of a typical Australian home.
Dorsett Grand Subang, managed by Dorsett Hospitality International, together with Showtime Asia as the co-producer, presented the gala charity musical comedy at the Grand Selangor Ballroom here recently.
The two-hour plus show was amazing. With a set dressed only in a few pieces of furniture and simple costumes, audience were captivated with the humorous performances. Both the orchestra and the cast excelled in these regards.
To recap the production, the prologue of the musical tells the story of Dr Falke, in pursuing his revenge, plays on the weaknesses of his friends, Gabriel Eisenstein for a “good time”, Rosalinde for a flash new dress, Adele for fame and fortune.
Gabriel Eisenstein is supposed to go to prison for punching a policeman but is persuaded instead to go to Prince Orlovsky’s party disguised as a French nobleman. His wife Rosalinde is enticed to the same Ball with the lure of a new exotic dress and the intrigue of masquerading as a Hungarian Countess. Rosalinde recognises her husband but he falls in love not knowing it’s with his own wife.
Their maid, Adele, also arrives at the Ball pretending to be a famous actress, dressed impressively in one of Rosalinde’s gowns.
Mayhem ensues. The various masks are eventually removed and reality hits home.....but not before the effects of too much champagne lulls everyone into dreamy reminiscences, delivered through Strauss’ ingenious chorus writing, some of the loveliest in all music for the theatre. Even Rosalinde softens her contempt for her philandering husband as they find a new affection for each other.
Finally the ex-patriot Russian Prince Orlovsky’s motto prevails..."Chacun a son gout"... [each to his own]...and Adele is rescued from servitude with the promise of becoming a “truly famous actress”, whilst Champagne is blamed for all misfortunes.
This is the first time the musical was staged in Malaysia, with its 11 cast members and 9 members creative team.
Since its first premiere in 1874, Die Fledermaus has received global theatrical ‘full-house’ respond whenever the musical is staged.
The Musical Comedy is directed by Frank Ford AM, a writer, director & dramatist. Having written and directed opera, music theatre, cabaret, experimental theatre, modern and classic drama and multi-media productions, his works have been performed in Australia and overseas & received the inaugural Premier’s “Lifetime Achievement” Ruby Award for the performing Arts.
Brian Chatterton OAM as the musical director of “Die Fledermaus, has been the Musical Director of Co-Opera since its inception in 1990. He was Director of Elder Conservatorium and Dean of Performing Arts at the University of Adelaide. Chatterton has led Co-Opera in over 30 performances in SE Asia and/or Europe.
Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng, the Vice Chairman of Dorsett Hospitality International (DHI) and the Board of Director of the Kiwanis Club of Bukit Kiara, said, DHI's objective to collaborate with Show Time Asia to bring the musical comedy here is to support the performing art for the cultural enrichment of the communities.
It is also to raise funds for the Kiwanis Club of Bukit Kiara, she said.
Tickets for the show were priced at RM110, RM220, RM330 and RM440 each and more than 300 people attended the evening.
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