The original title, Sweet Revenge of the Bat, sounded more like a sequel to the film Snakes on a Plane than a lighthearted ballet. Fortunately, the edited title, Sweet Revenge, more appropriately conveys the true nature of this delectable choreographic confection from artistic director John Castagna. Based on the opera Die Fledermaus (The Bat), this terpsichorean makeover retains much of the opera’s libretto as well as the beloved Johann Strauss score. Gaida Paulovska dances the role of the disguised wife plotting the comeuppance of her truant, party-going husband, portrayed by Joe Gutierrez. Yoko Sasaki is the soubrette maid, and Castagna himself takes a turn as the jailer. Both Castagna’s choreography and his dancers’ performances received warm reviews for their elegance and wit when the first act was previewed in January. The debut of the full two-act ballet opens the chamber ensemble’s fifth season. The evening also includes a premiere from co-artistic director Stefan Wenta and a contribution from Deborah Brockus’ Brockus Project Dance Company. Barnsdall Gallery Theater, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., Sept. 29-30, 8 p.m.; $15; $10 students & seniors. (323) 661-6440.

—Ann Haskins

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