Huszka Jenő

Baroness Lili

operetta

Translated by::

 

Operetta was born out of the world of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. It emerged from a society in which balls, castles, titles, military officers and the codes of aristocratic etiquette still seemed perfectly natural, even though, by the turn of the century, they had often become more illusion than reality. The story of “ Baroness Lili” captures precisely the moment when this world begins to lose its balance.

Following the death of the elderly Count Illésházy, it is revealed that the family estate has been completely consumed by debt. The heir, Count László Illésházy, is forced to sell the castle and the estate to the immensely wealthy Baron Malomszegi, a man who has risen from the bourgeoisie and now intends to use his fortune to purchase a noble title for himself.

After countless complications, the disguises eventually fall away, the many misunderstandings begin to unravel, every secret comes to light, and the conflicts are resolved. Representatives of the old and the emerging social order gradually move closer to one another – and love triumphs.

Meanwhile, the melodies of Jenő Huszka ring out: the “Cigarette Waltz,” “Come and Kiss Me Quickly, My Little Dove,” “Fairy Queen, Be My Partner,” and many other iconic hits. They are the musical imprints of a world that may already have vanished, yet whose melodies continue to linger in our ears.

But how long can a world survive once it exists only on stage? And what do we make today of the genre that was born from that world? Can it adapt to another era without losing its identity?

As the characters in the story search for a new place for themselves within a society undergoing profound change, an inevitable question arises: is operetta itself facing a similar journey?

Cast of characters:

Premier: 0000.00.00