Synopsis  l  Cast  l  Photos

PHOENIX (Oct. 31, 2007) – On November 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 18 Arizona Opera presents Johann Strauss, Jr.’s Die Fledermaus. In the 19th century, Strauss was hailed as the “waltz king” for his brilliant dance music composition. This comedic operetta bubbles over with intoxicating delight and is considered Strauss’ masterwork. The production stars Stella Zambalis as “Rosalinda” and Hugh Russell as her philandering husband “Eisenstein.”   

Arizona Opera celebrates the return of Metropolitan Opera star Stephanie Blythe, who joins the cast as “Prince Orlofsky.”  The compelling mezzo-soprano was one of this year’s recipients of the third annual Opera News Award.  Launched in 2005, the Opera News Awards — the only award in the United States given specifically for opera — are presented by the Metropolitan Opera and Opera News magazine to recognize distinguished contributions to the art form.

Ms. Blythe is a 1996 ARIA winner, 1999 recipient of the prestigious Richard Tucker Music Foundation Award, and an alumna of the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.  Her impressive career includes appearances at Covent Garden, the Opéra National de Paris, Santa Fe Opera, Seattle Opera, Opéra Bastille and Los Angeles Opera.  Ms. Blythe electrified audiences as “Juno” in Arizona Opera’s 2005-06 Season’s Semele.

Soprano Stella Zambalis, a regular guest of leading opera companies performs the role of “Rosalinda” and Canadian baritone Hugh Russell, who delighted audiences last season in the role of “Sander” in Beauty and the Beast, returns to Arizona Opera as “Eisenstein.”

Ms. Blythe’s husband, well known character actor David Smith Larsen will play the non singing role of “Ivan,” Prince Orlofsky’s steward.   

Gareth Morrell, who has conducted at the Metropolitan Opera, will conduct this production.

Noted for his work in this repertoire, Kelly Robinson directs.

Tickets and Information

Tickets for Die Fledermaus are priced from $30 to $160 and may be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets by calling 602.938.ARTS in Phoenix or 520.321.1000 in Tucson or online at www.azopera.com. Tickets are also available by calling Arizona Opera offices during regular box office hours, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 602.266.7464 in Phoenix and 520.293.4336 in Tucson.

Tucson performances are at Tucson Music Hall, 260 South Church Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701.  November 11 performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 12 matinee performance begins at 2:00 p.m.

Phoenix performances are at Symphony Hall, 75 North Second Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.  November 15, 16, 17 performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 18 matinee performance begins at 2:00 p.m.

For more information, or to arrange interviews, contact Colin Columna at 602.218.7323 or colin@azopera.com.

This production is sponsored by David & Mary Jo Christensen.

Nov. 15 performance sponsored by Ameriprise Financial Community Relations Program.

Nov. 16 performance sponsored by APS.

US Airways is the official airline of Arizona Opera. Wyndam-Phoenix is the season hotel co-sponsor. 

Arizona Opera is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit performing arts organization and the only professional producer of grand opera in the state of Arizona. It was established in Tucson 37 years ago and has grown to include a five-opera, October-April season in two cities.