Helikon Opera to perform "Die Fledermaus"

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Helikon Opera in "Die Fledermaus," at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Mainstage theater in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

The Helikon Opera of Moscow has established a reputation around the world for staging highly original productions of classic operas. Established in 1990, it immediately raised the standards for which companies present their respective productions. Helikon's sets and costumes are visually stunning, while its vocal, orchestral and dramatic performances will impress opera lovers.

Johann Strauss' operetta "Die Fledermaus" is a lighthearted story of sweet revenge. Set in 18th-century Vienna, the story follows what happens when a husband blatantly flirts with a woman he does not realize is his wife.  As one of the world's most popular operas, the music of "Die Fledermaus" rings familiar even with those new to opera. The audience will enjoy an evening of waltzes, polkas, champagne parties and a riotous masquerade ball. The Helikon performance is filled with surprises: the audience becomes part of the show and three gianni introduce the piquant smack of dell'arte comedy into performance. Die Fledermaus is presented with a 45-piece orchestra and will be sung in German with English supertitles.

Tickets for Helikon Opera in "Die Fledermaus" are $49, $39, $29. Tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Center for the Arts Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, including Kaufmann's. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, call 1-416-870-8000. For group sales, call 645-6771. For more information, call 645-ARTS. The Center for the Arts is a Ticketfast location.