Wichita State University Opera Theater will perform “Die Fledermaus” (The Bat), a Viennese operetta, at 7:30 p.m., April 10-12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13, in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

“Die Fledermaus” will be sung in German with English subtitles and dialogue, with music written by Johann Straus II to the libretto by Haffner and Genee.

Viennese operettas are the direct forerunners of the American musical. With their light plots, frivolous dialogue and dancing girls, they provided entertainment for the 19th Century equivalent of the “tired businessman.” While the major opera houses of the day didn’t often perform their bourgeoisie operetta cousins, “Die Fledermaus” became part of the opera’s repertoire for its beauty and charm; a Viennese toast to champagne, waltzing and flirtation.

As one of the most popular operettas of all time, “Die Fledermaus” has everything for a great evening's entertainment. The “bat” of the title is Dr. Falke, on whom his friend Mr. Eisenstein once played a trick. The two attended a costume party and got roaring drunk, and Eisenstein left Falke passed out in the town square dressed in his bat costume. Tonight is Falke’s turn: he concocts an elaborate ruse to get Eisenstein invited to a decadent party and arranges for his wife to catch him flirting with chorus girls from the ballet. Hilarious complications ensue, but there's never a doubt that all will end on an up-note.

Directed by Marie King, associate professor and WSU program director of opera, “Die Fledermaus” is rated PG.

Tickets can be purchased in advance and are available now at the Fine Arts Box Office noon-5 p.m. weekdays in the lobby of Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Students with ID are free at the box office.

Contact the WSU box office at 316-978-3233, or purchase tickets online.