PHS Choir returns to the stage with a classic operetta

On October 24 and 25, PHS Choir brought the operetta “Die Fledermaus” to life at the Performing Arts Center. “Die Fledermaus,” known as “The Revenge of the Bat” in English, is one of the most popular Viennese operettas of all time, composed by Johann Strauss II in 1874. The operetta is broken into three acts and follows the story of an extravagant New Year’s party in Vienna. Although this may seem like a glamorous way to start a new year, this performance quickly turns into humorous chaos, as one attendee has arranged an elaborate series of tricks to play on the other partygoers, resulting in relationship drama and lots of confusion. “Die Fledermaus” had the audience laughing and dancing along in their heads to its wide selection of catchy songs, especially its famous “Champage Chorus.”

“We always start the year for PHS Choir with some sort of a production, and it has many different guises every year. But we try to do something fun that will just get the students singing and have a really fun musical experience,” said choir teacher Sarah Pelletier.

One challenge while preparing for the operetta was getting students used to singing in a more operatic manner. “It’s definitely been a challenge. I’ve never sung opera before; I’m not primarily trained to sing opera, but it’s definitely pushed me in the best way possible, and I think it’s really shown me what my voice is capable of. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone, which is always a good thing to do,” said Anna Kaufman ’26, who played Rosalinda Eisenstein.

For many members of the cast, this production provides a gateway to new experiences and an opportunity to show off their range of abilities to an audience. “[It was exciting] to sing classical on stage for the first time. On a PHS stage [I had] never gotten to do that. And it [was] a great show, there’s a lot of very talented people in the cast,” said Serafina Joseph ’26, who played Adele, the Eisensteins’ maid.

Another crucial element of the production is the costumes. In the second act, the characters attend Russian Prince Orlofsky’s masked ball and wear gowns and tuxedos. “Since it’s a masked ball, [I was] in a long tulle-y dress kind of with an opera vibe. I [had] different accessories, I [had] neon pink gloves that [were] making me very flamboyant,” said Simryn Patel ’26, who played Ida, Adele’s sister and a famous dancer.To add to the intrigue of the show, Penelope Cardona Fox ’26 was featured as Chappell Roan, performing “HOT TO GO!” during the party scene. Cast members worked hard to memorize and run through lines in class, as well as preparing outside of class to improve their portrayal of the characters.

“I’ve really studied the script a lot. This is my first opera I’ve ever done. I have watched videos of other people performing the role to get inspiration ... and just talking to my directors and getting their advice on how to perform the role,” said Kaufman.

Choir members looked forward to showcasing the result of almost two months of dedicated preparation on stage. “I [was] excited to perform with all my friends and they’re all so incredible, so talented, so I [knew] it [was] gonna be great,” said Patel.