Die Fledermaus

 

Die Fledermaus is a satirical, hilarious and time-tested Viennese operetta by Johann Strauss, that has paved the way for the story I am about to share…

My journey with this operetta began as a 10th grader in high school. I was a theater-loving 15-year-old, exploring German as an elective and embarking on my very first voice lessons. It was then that I fell in love with Adele's "Laughing Song," a delightful piece that showcased my comedic side of this operatic gem. The coloratura flowed, and that "high D" seemed like a place where I could stay forever! In other words, the song fit me like a glove.

“I found myself part of the lively chorus, reveling in the joy of wearing beautiful costumes, singing, and waltzing on stage”
— Kate Sawyer

My college years brought not one, but two performances of Die Fledermaus. In my freshman year, I found myself part of the lively chorus, reveling in the joy of wearing beautiful costumes, singing, and waltzing on stage. I cherished the opportunity to watch the upperclassmen breathe life into their fine-tuned characters. Later, at Opera in the Ozarks in Arkansas, I once again found myself in the chorus, this time with an extensive waltz sequence performed on an outdoor stage in the middle of the summer. The sweat equity for those shows has remained unmatched!

Taking my love for the operetta to new heights, I spent an unforgettable summer in Graz, Austria during my grad school years. Immersed in the homeland of Johann Strauss, I eagerly polished my Adele arias, ready to perform the entire role "auf Deutsch." The experience fueled my belief and desire in my craft, all amidst the cultural richness of Austria.

Fast forward to the bustling streets of New York City, where I auditioned for the Opera Manhattan. Run by a fellow Southerner in the Big Apple, the company cast me as Adele's little sister, Ida (or Sally, as it is often known in English versions of Die Fledermaus). Our performances took place in a charming cabaret space, setting the stage for intimate and unforgettable encounters with the audience.

“I can still recall those train rides, shuttling between cities while working to keep my passion for my craft alive.”
— Kate Sawyer

During this remarkable time, I also traveled back and forth from Baltimore, singing in Opera Vivente's Coronation of Poppea as Drusilla. The delicate balance of juggling these two roles was a challenge, but I was determined to give my all to both productions. I can still recall those train rides, shuttling between cities while working to keep my passion for my craft alive.

And finally, after more than two decades of devotion to Die Fledermaus, the stars aligned, and I had the privilege of auditioning for yet another production. This time, the operatic tale came full circle as Opera Huntsville offered me the role of Adele. The thrill of this opportunity was beyond words—the chance to revisit the operetta that had shaped my artistic journey from my high school days, discovering my voice, to now bringing Adele to life with my entire being—mind, body, spirit.

 

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