DIE FLEDERMAUS is the younger Johann Strauss's most celebrated and popular operetta, containing some of the most captivating music ever written for this genre. Musically refined and most accessible to the listener, this masterwork was composed “non-stop in forty-two nights of veritable rapture”. The Overture is one of the most popular ever written, with five of the best tunes woven into a framework of the great “Fledermaus Waltz”.  Theatregoers will recognise much of the music, including the famed “Czardas” aria and maid Adele’s “Laughing Song.” Die Fledermaus is German for The Bat, and refers to a trick played previously on a gentleman  abandoned intoxicated to wake up in the town square to general ridicule in fancy dress as a bat.  The Batman (Dr Falke) plans his clever revenge on Herr von Eisenstein by means which unfold hilariously as the opera proceeds through its three acts, set successively in the Eisenstein mansion, Prince Orlovsky’s country estate, and the town gaol. This touring production, performed in English, is traditionally staged, with full sets and splendid costumes, by the producers of  The Tales of Hoffmann (2007), Iolanthe (2008) and The Yeomen of the Guard (2009. Direction is by Dr David Skinner, and the cast of 43 singers is supported by an orchestra of 31 players conducted by musical director Hugh McMillan.  After opening at the Opera House the tour continues to Kapiti, Palmerston North and Wanganui. Performances are at 7.30pm, with additional 2.00pm Saturday matinees at Wellington, Kapiti and Palmerston North venues