Hell hath no fury like a best friend scorned...
Gabriel Von Einstein has to go to prison, but on the way he decides to pop into Prince Orlosky's famed masked ball for some farcical fun and frolics, at the request of his devious friend Falke. Behind the mask he can pretend to be the dashing Monsieur Renard, and sets about seducing a dainty Hungarian countess. Little does he know that the countess is actually his adulterous wife and the whole ball was designed by Falke as a way to get revenge on the friend that stranded him the year before, whilst drunkenly dressed as bat.
First premiering in 1974 in Vienna, Die Fledermaus, or 'The Bat' has never been about of rotation due to it's champagne soaked charm and Strauss' wonderful compositions. Originally presented ad Portland Opera's inaugural production in 1964, it has always been a highlight of their repertoire, and is a must see for opera fans.