Die Fledermaus 40 years old

Most opera houses ring in the New Year with Johann Strauss Jr.'s most popular operetta--the festiveness of which is appropriate for the occasion--and this December 31, 1983, Covent Garden performance follows suit. An exceptional cast--led by Hermann Prey and Kiri Te Kanawa as the couple whose marriage survives the comic indiscretions of three long acts--obviously has as much fun as the audience. Plácido Domingo leads the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House through its paces with panache. Prince Orlofsky's Act II party is always a splendid opportunity to pull out all the stops with surprise "guests," and this performance makes the most of its chance: entering the proceedings to sing one of his tailor-made chansons, "She," is French crooner Charles Aznavour, who is followed by dancers Merle Park and Wayne Eagling, their delightful pas de deux flashily choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton.

Credits

Die Fledermaus Cast

Name Character
Charles Aznavour He was 59, 94 years old when he died as Prince Orlofsky's Guest
Hermann Prey He was 54, 69 years old when he died as Babriel von Eisenstein
Benjamin Luxon He was 46, now 87 years old as Dr. Falke
Hildegard Heichele She was 37, now 77 years old as Adele
Doris Soffel She was 35, now 75 years old as Prince Orlofsky
Paul Crook He was 17, now 58 years old as Dr. Blind
Michael Langdon He was 63, 70 years old when he died as Colonel Frank
Dennis O'Neill He was 35, now 76 years old as Alfred

Die Fledermaus Crew

Name Department
Johann Strauss as Original Music Composer. He was 158 (73) years old when He died Sound
Die Fledermaus poster
Die Fledermaus (40 years)

  • Release day: Sunday, January 01, 1984
  • Runtime: 177 minutes