SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL

Johann Strauss II, Die Fledermaus (2010 English translation): Libretto by Carl Haffner and Richard Genée, Based on the play Le réveillon by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy,Heritage Opera, Preston Minster, Lancashire: 23.10.2010 (MC)

Production:

Paul Greenhalgh (piano),

Chris Gill (conductor/producer),

Sarah Helsby-Hughes (director/designer),
English translation by Sarah Helsby-Hughes and Nicholas Sales (2010)

Cast:

Eisenstein – Nicholas Sales (tenor)

Rosalinde – Sarah Helsby-Hughes (soprano)

Adèle – Elizabeth Menezes (soprano)

Frank – Mark Saberton (baritone)

Prince Orlofsky – Serenna Wagner (soprano)

Alfredo – Robin Green (tenor)

Falke – Thomas Eaglen (baritone)

Blind – Luke Thomas (baritone)

Ida – Wendy Sharrock (mezzo-soprano)

Frosch – Richard Belshaw (speaking role)

Guests at Prince Orlofsky’s party (chorus):

Melanie – Rachel Dyson (soprano)

Faustine – Flavia de Lima (soprano)

Ramusin – Richard Belshaw (tenor)

Ali Rey – Robin Green (tenor)

Ivan – Luke Thomas (baritone)

‘Less is more’ is the phrase that sums up this new Heritage Opera production of Johann Strauss II’s waltz infused operetta Die Fledermaus. From Preston Minster this was the opening night in a series of eight performances of the première staging of this new version sung in English of Die Fledermaus. For this production Heritage Opera pare down their staging keeping the illusion of 1870s Viennese glitz with the twist of adding a North of England vernacular to the text that would not be out of place in a 2010 Coronation Street script. A small professional company, Heritage’s resources allow only for a piano accompaniment. But don’t let that put you off, as it’s surprising how one’s attention seems to focus more on the characters and the dialogue.

In the last year I have attended several lavish opera productions both in Berlin and Munich but none have been as enjoyable as this production. Where entertainment is concerned Heritage is a hidden gem of the British opera world. This is my third Heritage Opera production and the marvellously high standard of performance has clearly been maintained by this talented and enthusiastic cast. The set is basic but highly effective and it was cast members' hands to the pump for the scene change. As usual the period costumes were impressive. I love their eye for detail and I could even smell the fresh party food. Owing to the configuration of the available space in the Minster the production makes shrewd use of the aisle, transept and choir using entries from various points of the building.

But what an enthusiastic cast they are, driven along splendidly by pianist Paul Greenhalgh under the control of musical director Chris Gill. For me the star performance was given by lyric tenor Nicholas Sales. As the rather juvenile gentleman Eisenstein the tenor looked suitably worried about his imminent stretch in prison and delivered his humorous lines effectively with especially fine diction. Soprano Sarah Helsby-Hughes gives an endearing performance as the dippy yet delectable Rosalinde, Eisenstein’s wife. Making his Heritage debut, the bright and agile lyric tenor Robin Green was laying it on thick as Alfredo, the persistent and amorous suitor of Rosalinde.

Memorable was heroine Elizabeth Menezes as Adèle the lively chambermaid who gets above her station. As the soprano grew in confidence her flirtatious and spicy performance was impressively wholehearted. A perennial audience favourite, Adèle’s ‘Laughing Song’ from Act 2 was sparklingly done. Favourite Heritage cast member the sturdy baritone Mark Saberton in the role of Frank the incorruptible prison governor was imposing as usual.

Champagne loving Polish Prince Orlofsky is played as a trouser role by Serenna Wagner providing appropriate enthusiasm complete with a vibrant violin solo. Eisenstein’s old friend the notary Dr. Falke was performed by agreeably toned baritone Thomas Eaglen. In a strong cast the baritone Luke Thomas as lawyer Dr. Blind and mezzo-soprano Wendy Sharrock as Ida, Adèle’s sister provided effective support. The wittiest line of the night was in act two when Prince Orlofsky and Eisenstein were raising their champagne glasses for a toast: Prince Orlofsky, “I give you Poland”. Eisenstein, “I give you Leyland” (for those that don’t know, it’s near Preston).

With Die Fledermaus Heritage Opera provided a delighted audience with sheer enjoyment. Their forthcoming productions for 2011 of Così fan tutte, the world première of Jonathon Dove’s Mansfield Park and Carmen are not to be missed.

Michael Cookson

Heritage Opera's Web Site :  http://www.heritageopera.com/