Prison, joy and fake identities are just some of the topics covered in “Die Fledermaus,” performed by the Kent State Orchestra and Opera.

The show was performed March 16-18 in the Carl F. W. Ludwig Recital Hall in the Center for the Performing Arts.

Marla Berg directed and choreographed the show, while Jungho Kim was the conductor of the orchestra and Jay White was the musical director.

It was written by Johann Strauss II and performed by Kent State students, graduate assistants and School of Music faculty.

“I had never been to an opera before, but was very excited to come and see how the orchestra and the singing were going to work together. I really enjoyed seeing Kent State students perform such a wonderful show,” said Nolan Nadler, a junior visual communication design major.

The show was based in Vienna in the late 19th century and follows the story of Gabriel von Eisenstein and his wife, Rosalinda; along with Eisenstein’s friend, the housemaid and Rosalinda’s ex-lover, Alfred.

Throughout the show there is comedy and tragedy wrapped in one. Eisenstein is set to serve an eight-day prison sentence, but does not go to turn himself in until after he has gone to the ball of a Russian prince.

“There were some pretty funny moments throughout the show. I have been to many musicals in my life and this was nothing like I had ever seen. The costumes were amazing and the acting and singing made me feel like we were taken back in history,” said Marissa Marra, a sophomore marketing major.

During the three acts of the show, each character had their time to shine and show their true personalities. The orchestra added to the theatrics by playing enticing music that helped engage the audience.

The strings section was composed of eighteen members, with instruments ranging from violin to contrabass.

“I played in the band in high school and have seen a few orchestras, but I had never been so drawn in so quickly to a show before. It was funny and the music was very enjoyable,” said sophomore digital media production major Elise Knebusch.

The auditorium was filled with applause as the lights dimmed after the opening night of the show ended.

Amber Selfridge is the social sciences reporter. Contact her at [email protected].