Johann Strauss
DIE FLEDERMAUS
Tue 6 Oct 7.45pm
Ellen Kent’s enormously successful DIE FLEDERMAUS returns after its world premiere in 2006.
This spectacular and lavish production is set in late 19th century Vienna and is based on Herbert von Karajan’s famous version, with snatches of spoken dialogue.
Watch out for some surprising moments in the famous ballroom scene!
Strauss’s light-hearted operetta combines a cast of colourful characters with some of opera’s most popular musical moments in a story of love, laughter and sweet revenge.
Set to Strauss’ mesmerising and fanciful score, reminiscent of his ever popular and lively Viennese Waltz style of music, Die Fledermaus tells a tale of fun and frivolity; of love triangles and revenge.
Revolving around Baron Von Eisenstein and his friend Dr Faulk, who takes an opportunity to exact his revenge on the Baron for a trick played on him at a costumed ball the previous year.
Dr Faulk had been compelled by Baron Von Eisenstein to walk home through the streets of Vienna still costumed as a bat.
A stormy operetta full of jest and intrigue commences and the tale concludes where the operetta started – in the Vienna prison.
With lavish and opulent costumes and sets based on 19th Century Vienna, this joyful operetta gives an intriguing insight into the society life of that time.
It includes the famous arias Come with me to the Supper, Happy is he who forgets and oh bat, oh bat at last let thy victim escape.
Part of the special appeal of Die Fledermaus is the wonderful ballroom scene at the pinnacle of the operetta.
Ellen has made sure the scene is as lavish and decadent as the Venetian society of the 19th century would have expected!
With two splendid champagne fountains gracing the stage, the ball room scene is a party that can never be eclipsed!
Another appealing part of Die Fledermaus is the invitation for celebrity participation on stage in the ballroom scene.
A Mystery guest star is joining the cast to perform a party piece of their own making in the ballroom scene.
This unique version includes two bats and an introduction of some scenes from the Russian Die Fledermaus which are unique to this production.
Sung in English with English surtitles
Bizet
CARMEN
Wed 7 Oct 7.45pm
Seville comes to Brighton!
With a brand new set which reflects the stunning architecture of Seville and its main square with Roman and Moorish influences.
Carmen includes the special guest star a donkey*. Ellen’s mother ran the Spanish equivalent of the RSPCA, which saved the lives of many donkeys.
To continue this good work Ellen has included a donkey* from various sanctuaries to help them raise money.
Carmen is the story of the bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and leads to her own murder.
The opera includes some of the most evocative and best-loved melodies in opera –The Habanera, The Seguidilla, The Flower Song, The Chanson Bohème and perhaps the best-known baritone aria of all The Toreador’s Song.
Nadezhda Stoianova who will be returning after her critically acclaimed performances of Carmen in 2013 and Aida in 2014 to sing Carmen.
Maria Tonina and Alyona Kistenyova will be singing Michaela. Maria Tonina returns after her spectacular success in Traviata and Rigoletto.
Carmen is sung in French with English surtitles.
