Stetson Opera Theatre and Orchestra present Ein Walzertraum by Straus

Straus opera Feb. 2016The opera, Ein Walzertraum by Oscar Straus, will be presented by Stetson University’s School of Music, Friday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. Both performances will be held at the DeLand High School Theater Center, located at 800 N. Hill Ave., DeLand.

Journey back to Old Vienna as Niki – an Austrian Guardsman – marries heiress to throne Helene, which disrupts the genteel court life in the imaginary state of Rurislavenstein. After much heart-searching and a near disaster – when she mistakes Niki’s harmless meeting with Franzi (the leader of an Austrian girls’ orchestra) for infidelity – the Princess learns to love her hastily-chosen husband and all ends happily!

Oscar Straus’s first international success was inspired by an all-women band that played at his favorite pub! This is a rollicking vamp with waltzing and polka in the splendor of 19th century Vienna. This opera’s music is featured in the concerts of André Rieu.

This production is a collaboration of the Stetson University Opera Theatre, Russell Franks, director; and Orchestra, Anthony Hose, conductor. It is performed in German with supertitles.

Tickets are $20 adults; $15 seniors; $10 concert pass and youth; free with Stetson ID. For more information, visit Stetson’s School of Music Opera Theatre. (Photos by Keelyn Mitchell and Oxley Pics.)