University Park, Pa. -- The Penn State Schools of Theatre and Music will present their first large-scale operetta on the Playhouse stage, "Die Fledermaus," by Johann Strauss Jr., with guest director E. Loren Meeker, Feb. 20 through March 2 at the Playhouse Theatre, University Park campus. Curtain times are 8 p.m. for all performances, except for a 2 p.m. matinee March 2.

"Die Fledermaus," being performed in English, is a comic operetta that tells the story of Gabriel von Eisenstein's frequent dalliances with the lithe young ladies of the corps de ballet. On his way to serve a brief jail term for insulting a public official, Eisenstein attends Prince Orlofsky's party where he woos a glamorous Hungarian countess, who turns out to be none other than his wife Rosalinde, seeking -- and getting -- her revenge for her husband's indiscretions.

Meeker works extensively as a freelance director and choreographer. Recent directing credits include "Die Fledermaus" at San Francisco Opera; "Hansel and Gretel" at Opera Providence; "Quilters" at The Opera House at Booth Bay Harbor; the youth performances of "The Ballad of Baby Doe," "Paul Bunyan" and "L'italiana in Algeri' at Central City Opera; and a new work, "The Game," with Boston-based Intermezzo, which was performed at the Kennedy Center as part of its Millennium Stage Series.

Tickets are available at the Penn State Downtown Ticket Center, Eisenhower Box Office, Bryce Jordan Center or by calling (814) 863-0255 or (800) ARTS-TIX. Curtain times are 8 p.m. for all performances, except for a 2 p.m. matinee March 2.

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