Operetta Theatre Program / November 13–16

The “Ion Dacian” National Operetta and Musical Theatre invites you to the events scheduled between November 13 and 16 at the institution’s venue on 1 Octavian Goga Boulevard.

We invite you to discover a fusion of musical genres and a rich palette of emotions — from the situational humor, joy, and exuberance of the operetta Viennese Blood, to the dramatic inner turmoil experienced by the main character of the rock opera Meșterul Manole.
A week marked by a profound contrast between classic and modern, between waltz and rock music, between the spirit of Viennese court balls and national tradition.

Viennese Blood

The production played to a full house at its premiere on October 18 and 19, 2025, during the RE:Strauss Festival, an event organized to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth.

Rareș Zaharia’s directorial jewel brings, alongside the charm and brilliance of Johann Strauss II’s waltzes, an innovative layer of social meaning by drawing parallels between the couples in the story and characters from Mozart’s operas.

An event filled with elegance, performed with energy and enthusiasm by the Operetta Theatre’s soloists, accompanied by the orchestra conducted by maestro Constantin Adrian Grigore.

Viennese Blood
by Johann Strauss II
Libretto: Victor Leon and Leo Stein
Direction: Rareș Zaharia

Cast:

• Eduard: George Vîrban
• Gabriela: Rodica Ștefan
• Frantzi: Daniela Bucșan
• Vercingetorix (Prime Minister): Orest Pîslariu‑Ranghilof
• Pepi: Gabriela Daha
• Josef: Valentino Tiron

In a 2019 interview, Josef Kappl said: “The opera Meșterul Manole is my cornerstone work, the work of my life. It expresses my entire musical personality and integrity. My unfulfilled dream remains the creation of a full stage production, with a producer, a director, and the possibility of thorough preparation.”

The production at the Operetta Theatre is a captivating experience that brings back into the spotlight one of the most famous and fascinating myths of Romanian culture. It is a staging that captures the essence of the profoundly human emotions of a hero tormented by the anxieties and contradictions of the world he inhabits.

Meșterul Manole – Rock Opera

Composition and Musical Arrangement: Josef Kappl
Libretto: Victor Cârcu
Set Design: Vladimir Turturica
Choreography: Relu Dobrin
Assistant Director: Sorina Micșunescu
Concept: Radu Petrovici and Rebecca Diaconu
Choir Conductor: Aurel Muraru

Cast:

• Manole: Florin Budnaru
• Miruna: Daniela Bucșan
• Narrator: Florin Ganea
• Presenter Voice: Valentino Tiron

Rock Band:

• Josef Kappl – Bass Guitar
• Nicu Patoi – Guitar
• Marcel Moldovan – Drums

Tickets can be purchased at the box office of the “Ion Dacian” National Operetta and Musical Theatre – 1 Octavian Goga Boulevard, or online at www.ticketstore.ro.