The Little Opera That Could Maine Grand Opera stages quality ‘Die Fledermaus’ in Camden

For a recent rehearsal at the Camden Opera House, the cast of “Die Fledermaus” was bundled in hats, scarves, long underwear and gloves. One actor wore a down vest over his character’s silk dressing gown. Another had her neck wrapped in a colorful wool scarf. The wintry outfits were not part of the costume design. The opera house was cold.

But temperature, these professional singer-actors said, is the only difference between performing in companies in urban centers and the Maine Grand Opera, which will present Johann Strauss’ comic opera 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, at the Camden Opera House.

“It has been as intensive as anyplace else,” said Steven Snow, a professional singer from New Jersey.

Otherwise, the cast members, some of whom have done opera in the country’s best venues, said performing on the coast of Maine during the winter holidays is a good opportunity for work as well as an intimate encounter with a receptive, appreciative audience. It is also a satisfying experience with colleagues.

Opera singers don’t typically find themselves in halls as small as the Camden Opera House, which has 495 seats including orchestra and balcony levels. A decade ago, the interior underwent a major renovation that restored the building to its original jewel-like grandeur. The performers mentioned the building as one of the reasons they were drawn to do opera in Maine.

“It’s a good gig at an off time of the season,” said Joel Weiss, a New York City-based singer who has performed in two other MGO operas. “It’s great to be in Maine in December. Camden is kind of what a Southerner thinks Maine is. But the house itself is worth the price of admission.”

Strauss’ operetta, a zany, marital comedy, is also a favorite among singers because it allows them to flex their vocal, theatrical and dance muscles. The form is considered a “little” opera and is often called light opera, but there was nothing light or little about the voices in rehearsal. The nearly slapstick comedy, combined with solid acting skills, underscore the opera’s resemblance to musical theater or even a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Strauss is also considered the king of classical dance music in Europe. So the actors had to master a Viennese style of the waltz. A local ballroom dance instructor tutored them.

While “Die Fledermaus” was originally written in German, MGO performs operas in English because its mission is to present works that are accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The company’s past repertoire includes “The Magic Flute,” “Pirates of Penzance,” and “La Boheme,” all of which were performed in English. For “Die Fledermaus,” the company is using the acclaimed 1950s translation by Howard Dietz, the Broadway lyricist who also adapted operas for the Metropolitan Opera. It’s bawdy and several of the singers rated it “PG-13,” but they said it had levels of humor that both adults and mature kids ages 10 and up would enjoy.

The stage and Strauss, however, wouldn’t be as alluring if it weren’t for the collaboration of MGO’s artistic trio of artistic, stage and music directors. While most of the performers come from out of state – the exceptions are three singers hailing from Camden, Portland and Ogunquit – members of the artistic team live in the Camden area. Artistic director Karen Eisenhauer, who founded the company in 2001, said that the organization has faced strained financial times, but she hopes to continue to increase its resources and audiences.

“My goal from the get-go was to be the opera company for the state of Maine,” said Eisenhauer. “We are the only professional opera company in the state that produces year round. But one community alone cannot fully support an opera company. Next year, I am looking to travel to other communities with the productions.”

She mentioned Bath, Portland and Bangor as possibilities.

Artistically, the company strives for standards of excellence set by Eisenhauer, who is a professional singer and voice teacher. Early on, she teamed up with stage director Beaumont Glass, who worked for many years as director of music studies at the Zurich Opera House in Switzerland and as director of opera at the University of Iowa, and with music director and conductor Janna Hymes-Bianchi, who leads the Williamsburg Symphonia in Virginia and travels from her home in Maine for guest conducting jobs.

“Opera is very accessible these days,” said Glass, taking a break from rehearsing the blocking of the show. “People have to get rid of the idea that it’s not for them. When a production has theatrical flair, it’s the maximal performance experience.”

Hymes-Bianchi added: “It’s the ultimate art form with singers, actors and the orchestra. If they all click, it can be a really memorable evening.”

It’s unlikely that the temperatures outside will warm up by opening night on Jan. 1. But the singers and creative team are warming up the hall.

Maine Grand Opera will present “Die Fledermaus” 7 p.m. Jan. 1 and 3 p.m. Jan. 2 at the Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St. For information and reservations, call 763-3071. Alicia Anstead can be reached at 990-8266 and aanstead@bangordailynews.net.

“Die Fledermaus”

Where: Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2

How much: $17-$40

Contact: 763-3071 and

www.camdenoperahouse.com