By Melinda Bargreen [Seattle Times, 16 January 2006]

Opera fans know to expect lots of surprises in the Act II party scene of "Die Fledermaus," when visiting real-life dignitaries often appear as walk-on "guests" at the Prince's gala soiree. (Gov. Christine Gregoire, who was to appear in just such a role Saturday, canceled because of the state's flooding emergency.)