OBSERVER: Fledermaus
The stunning Edna Walling designed gardens of Knowe Cottage (circa 1919) hosted the new production of Fledermaus by Director Robert Ray for Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria.
An impressively moustachioed Terence MacManus welcomed the audience (who were peering anxiously at the foreboding skies), switching to a resonant Russian accent for his character Prince Orlovsky. Mac Manus was a marvellous, merry Orlovsky.
Exuberant and charming, the tale of infidelity, temptation and revenge, was comically conveyed.
At a ball hosted by Prince Orlovsky, Dr Fritz Falke – alias Dr Bat (a lovely tenor, Michael Zuccala), plots revenge on Gabriel von Eisenstein.
Years ago, Eisenstein left him inebriated in a public square in Vienna, dressed as a bat. Eisenstein is also due to serve an eight-day prison sentence for insulting a policeman, but Alfredo (in love with Rosalinda) goes in his place – it’s complicated.
Rosalinda attends the ball disguised as a Hungarian Countess and Adele, her maid (Bridgette Kelsey singing beautifully) also wangles an invitation.
Christelise de Graaf was Rosalinda, a wealthy Viennese matron and her husband, Gabriel von Eisenstein, was played by John Parncutt.
De Graaf’s voice and acting were impeccable. She inhabited her role with grace and beauty. Parncutt splendidly imbued Eisenstein with lanky elegance and wicked charm – a ‘toff’ from top hat to tails.
Ryan Jacobs as Alfredo and Ian Lowe as the Prison Warder, Frank, were terrific. James Douglas as Frosch provided a hilarious cameo and others performed their parts with aplomb.
The four-piece orchestra led by Musical Director Geoffrey Urquhart on piano, Peter Sheridan on flute, Rosalind Burns on violin and Dr Karen Heath on clarinet, was located in an adjacent gazebo, from whence Johan Strauss II’s glorious waltzes emanated.
The women’s gowns by costumer Helen Ebsworthy were exquisite.
Finally, the sun burst through the leaves of the ancient oak tree framing the stage, bathing the actors in a golden glow. A stunning finish to a delightful afternoon.
Performances: The Knowe, Sassafras: March 1-2 at 2 pm; The Round Studio, Nunawading: March 8-9 at 2 pm or 8 pm; Moe Plaza: April 25 at 5 pm
Bookings: gsov.org.au
Review by Juliet Charles
Pictured: The cast of Fledermaus toast the show’s success. Photo: Robin Halls