TOWANDA - The 2012-13 Nightlife on the Susquehanna Series continues at 3 p.m. Nov. 18 with a production of "Die Fledermaus" at the Keystone Theatre.
The performance will be presented by the Manhattan Lyric Opera and will feature eight local cast members, including Billy Shaw and Amy Irvine.
A hilarious and fun vaudeville, "Die Fledermaus" (or "The Bat") follows the twisted tale of Eisenstein, the victim of a practical joke by friends, who vows vengeance on the jokesters that ends up in a plot of twists and turns.
During a scene from Prince Orlofsky's ball, local cast members will have a chance to feature their own talents. Local performers include Colleen Close, Anna Belokur, Blakely Watkins, Justin Kilmer, Elizabeth Vana and Caroline Vana. Bradford County natives Billy Shaw and Amy Irvine will return to the Keystone Theatre stage for cameo appearances as well.
Shaw will take on the role of Eisenstein and Irvine will cover the role of Adele during the scene from Prince Orlofsky's ball.
Written by Johann Strauss II, "Die Fledermaus" is a famed Viennese operetta first performed in Vienna in 1874 at the Theater an der Wien. However, it wasn't until a successful performance in Berlin later that same year that the operetta took hold in Vienna. It reached New York City six months after its premiere and has been a favorite ever since. The term "operetta" refers to a genre of light opera, both in terms of music and subject matter.
Operettas have similarities to both operas and musicals and are usually light and amusing.
To learn more about this art form, Johann Strauss II, 1874 Vienna, or "Die Fledermaus," visit the Towanda Public Library to check out their "Die Fledermaus" exhibit.
Tickets for "Die Fledermaus" are $24 for adults; $20 for students and seniors and are available online at www.bcrac.org. Groups of 20 or more receive a 10 percent discount; contact the BCRAC Office at 268-ARTS (2787).
A student rush discount (50 percent off, day-of-show) is available with a valid student ID.
Doors open at 2 p.m. with wine available for sale by the glass by Grovedale Winery.
Bottles featuring the two Keystone Theatre 125th anniversary commemorative wine labels also will be available to be bought from Grovedale Winery.
For more information, visit BCRAC online at www.bcrac.org.
