Southern Opera & Musical Theatre Company to Present Lighthearted Production of Die Fledermaus

Mon, 10/20/2025 - 09:38am | By: Dr. Mike Lopinto

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Music’s 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 — 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’ve 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 — creating the lush, lively sound and visual spectacle audiences love. Expect stunning costumes and sets, polished choreography and powerhouse singing that highlight the show’s comic heart.

“This is a wonderful cast of student performers,” said Yarrington. “It’s a terrific outing for older children, teens and adults — and a great ‘first night out’ for anyone new to live classical or musical theatre.”

Composed by Johann Strauss II and first performed in Vienna in 1874, Die Fledermaus is one of the world’s most beloved operettas — a sparkling blend of waltzes, comedy and social satire that has delighted audiences for nearly 150 years. This production leans into the operetta’s 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 — perfect for date night, family outings with older kids, or a lively friends’ 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 “gateway” 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 — easy parking and a welcoming atmosphere.

Tickets
Tickets are available through the Southern Miss Ticket Office by calling 800.844.8425 or online. Don’t wait — 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.