Don Rierson, director of opera and music theater at James Madison University, is preparing his JMU Opera Theater for the Forbes Center’s Nov. 11-13 production of “Die Fledermaus” with a new award under his belt. Rierson is the recipient of the 2011 Legacy Grant Award, an annual award given out by the JMU Emeriti Association. The award presents an unrestricted grant to a faculty member who has made significant contributions to the university over time.
“It was a surprise. I was flattered to get the award. It was surreal and emotional,” says Rierson, who is now in his eighth year as the director of the JMU Opera Theater.
One of the world’s most celebrated and popular operettas, “Die Fledermaus” (“The Bat”) is a riotous and intoxicating romp. Since its Viennese premiere in 1874, Johann Strauss’ hilarious work has delighted audiences with some of the most captivating music ever written. From frothy vocal melodies to whirling waltzes, Strauss (the Waltz King) has concocted an enchanting musical tour de force complete with deception, mistaken identity, revenge and unrequited love.
“Die Fledermaus” takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 in the Mainstage Theatre of the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at JMU. The proscenium stage acts like that of a regional opera theater. Rierson is also partnering with a local ballet school for the production.
The JMU Opera Theater provides main stage and workshop opportunities for performance majors enrolled in B.M., M.M. and D.M.A. programs at the university. The program has attracted outstanding graduates and undergraduates from prominent national and international arts high schools, universities and conservatories.
In recent years, JMU Opera Theater has presented critically acclaimed productions of “The Merry Widow,” “Cosi fan Tutte” and “Carmen.” Last spring, they presented Jeremy Beck and Patricia Marx’s “Review” at the National Arts Club in Manhattan under the tutelage of the Center for Contemporary Opera. The singers perform regularly in international venues in Germany, Italy, Wales and England, and have been quite successful in university Concerto-Aria, National Association of Teachers of Singing and other national competitions. JMU annually hosts the first round of the Classical Singer competition and maintains an active and enthusiastic Opera Guild.
Tickets for “Die Fledermaus” are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and JAC cardholders, and $15 for JMU students. For tickets, visit www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call the Forbes Center Box Office at 540.568.7000.
“Die Fledermaus” dress rehearsals are Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 9 and 10, from 7 to 10 p.m. Photographers are welcome. Don Rierson is available for interviews before 6 p.m. and after 10:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10, or by appointment prior to dress rehearsal dates. The press is invited to attend the opening night of “Die Fledermaus” on Nov. 11.
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