Bill Irwin to Play Frosch in Metropolitan Opera’s Die Fledermaus

Tony Award-winner Bill Irwin will make his Metropolitan Opera debut in the speaking role of the comic jailer Frosch in Johann Strauss’s comedic operetta Die Fledermaus, December 19-January 7.

The production stars Sondra Radvanovsky as Rosalinde, Marlis Petersen as Adele, Janez Lotric as Alfred, Mariana Domashenko as Prince Orlofsky, Bo Skovhus as Eisenstein, and Earle Patriarco as Dr. Falke. The annual New Year’s Eve performance of the opera is one of the season’s highlights and always features surprise guest appearances by celebrities.

Irwin won the 2005 Tony Award for his portrayal of George in the revival of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He and his castmates in that show — Kathleen Turner, David Harbour, and Mireille Enos — will re-create their roles at London’s Apollo Theatre, beginning January 20. A former Guggenheim and MacArthur fellow, Irwin has previosuly appeared on Broadway in The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, Largely New York, Fool Moon, and Scapin. In addition, the Signature Theatre Company devoted its entire 2003-2004 season to his work.

For tickets to Die Fledermaus call 212-362-6600 or visit www.metopera.org.