Cast

Performance Details

Libretto: Karl Haffner, Richard Genée
after the vaudeville “Le Revéillon” by Henri Melhac and Ludovic Halévy

Stage coordination and text adaptation: Valentino Tiron
Musical direction: Alexandru Ilie / Constantin Grigore
Choreography: Iolanda Petrescu
Scenography: Vladimir Turturica
Choreography assistant: Mircea Crăciun
Choir conductor: Aurel Muraru

“The Bat” is a captivating operetta composed by Johann Strauss- son, with a libretto written by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée. The premiere took place in Vienna on April 5, 1874 and quickly became one of the most loved and represented creations in the genre’s repertoire.

The action takes place in Vienna in the 19th century and follows the story of Gabriel von Eisenstein, a funny and charismatic man who faces various misadventures during a series of parties and confusions. Gabriel has to serve a short sentence in prison for a minor misdeed, but instead of going straight to prison, he agrees to spend his last evening free at a lavish party right on New Year’s Eve at Prince Orlofsky’s residence. During the party, Eisenstein falls in love with a mysterious Hungarian countess, who is actually Rosalinda, his wife, present at the party to test his fidelity.

Another key character of the operetta is Doctor Falke, Eisenstein’s friend, who tries to take revenge for a prank that Eisenstein played on him in the past. Thus, he sets up a series of events together with Prince Orlofsky that bring all the secrets of the characters to light.

All these confusions and hilarious revelations make “The Bat” a comedy full of suspense, humor, charm and delightful music, which continues to bring joy to audiences for over a century. With complex characters, funny themes and memorable music, this operetta remains one of Johann Strauss- the son’s most loved creations and a gem of Viennese musical theatre.