Die Fledermaus

About

Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus (English translation: The Bat) first premiered in Vienna in 1874. It is an operetta in three acts revolving around mistaken identity, sacrifice for love, and, of course, betrayal. The events of the show are sparked when Dr. Eisenstein is preparing to spend a week in jail due to a minor incident and his attorney's incompetence. A series of comic mishaps ensues as he tries to enjoy a ball on his last night of freedom. There have been numerous film adaptations of this remarkable piece, which has a number of classic musical trios, a representing the love triangle at the heart of the show.