Southern Opera & Musical Theatre Company to Present Lighthearted Production of Die Fledermaus
Mon, 10/20/2025 - 09:38am | By: Dr. Mike Lopinto
91少女集中营 (USM) School of Music鈥檚 Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company invites audiences to a rollicking, laugh-out-loud production of Die Fledermaus (The Bat), directed by Jonathan Yarrington and accompanied by The USM Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Gregory Wolynec.
This lighthearted three-show engagement offers glorious singing, eye-catching sets, beautiful costumes, lively dancing and old-fashioned fun 鈥� perfect for anyone who loves a great night out. Performances are set for Oct. 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 1 at 1 p.m., in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus.
Forget everything you鈥檝e heard about stuffy opera. Die Fledermaus is a Viennese comic operetta that feels more like a bubbly musical comedy than a formal recital. The score is full of memorable waltzes and tunes that will have you tapping your toes. The story centers on mistaken identities, clever pranks and a glittering masked ball where just about everything goes gloriously off the rails.
The production showcases the vocal and theatrical talents of USM students and faculty alongside full orchestral accompaniment 鈥� creating the lush, lively sound and visual spectacle audiences love. Expect stunning costumes and sets, polished choreography and powerhouse singing that highlight the show鈥檚 comic heart.
鈥淭his is a wonderful cast of student performers,鈥� said Yarrington. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a terrific outing for older children, teens and adults 鈥� and a great 鈥榝irst night out鈥� for anyone new to live classical or musical theatre.鈥�
Composed by Johann Strauss II and first performed in Vienna in 1874, Die Fledermaus is one of the world鈥檚 most beloved operettas 鈥� a sparkling blend of waltzes, comedy and social satire that has delighted audiences for nearly 150 years. This production leans into the operetta鈥檚 comic-music roots and presents it as a musical-comedy experience for modern audiences.
The story follows a prank between friends at a masquerade ball, where secrets bubble to the surface and a clever maid seeking one night off sets off a sequence of mistaken identities. With laughable confusion, heartfelt reconciliations and one big, joyous party, this spectacle is pure fun from start to finish.
WHY GO?
- A laugh-filled night of music and theater 鈥� perfect for date night, family outings with older kids, or a lively friends鈥� night out.
- Beautiful costumes and sets make it a visual as well as musical treat.
- Live orchestra: The USM Symphony provides thrilling, full accompaniment (not recorded tracks).
- A great 鈥済ateway鈥� show for anyone curious about opera or musical theatre who wants a lighter, more comic experience.
- Limited engagement means special-event energy (three shows only).
- Convenient Hattiesburg campus location in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center 鈥� easy parking and a welcoming atmosphere.
Tickets
Tickets are available through the Southern Miss Ticket Office by calling 800.844.8425
or . Don鈥檛 wait 鈥� this is a limited engagement, and seats tend to fill quickly.
About the Southern Opera & Musical Theatre Company
The Southern Opera & Musical Theatre Company is part of The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music, a hands-on training ground for the next generation of performers, directors, designers and conductors. USM presents an active season of performances that bring professional-quality music and theatre to Hattiesburg and the surrounding region.