Entertainment fusion: Circus spectacle blends with operatic harmony
Rewritten Article:
Get ready for a spectacle like no other! The "Cagliostro - Johann Strauss in the Circus Tent" will make its grand entrance at Vienna's Circus Theater Roncalli in September, promising an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
This unique blend of opera, comedy, and circus arts is made possible only by the ongoing Johann Strauss festival in Vienna. On a Tuesday night at the Gartenbau Cinema, organizers unveiled their latest project, "Johann Strauss in the Circus Tent," set to take the stage from September 10th under the legendary circus tent of Roncalli.
The tale of "Cagliostro in Vienna," an operetta by an unknown Strauss, serves as the foundation for this exciting event. Although its success was brief, the festival director Roland Geyer found a lasting appreciation for the piece himself.
Step into the creative mind of Thomas Brezina, a bestselling author and Strauss enthusiast. He's been tasked with turning the story into a literary marvel, as he's demonstrated in his crime novel "For Strauss." Brezina shares his passion for the waltz king, saying, "Johann Strauss is far undervalued. I am a very, very, very great admirer of him."
Johnny Bertl, the music maestro, has reimagined Strauss's melodies to create a harmonious blend of entertainment and operetta. Bertl explains his approach as a respectful interpretation, stating, "One should not try to make something out of music that it does not inherently have." He labels his creation "entertainment music."
It's a collaboration of imaginative minds that combined delivers more than two and a half weeks of family-friendly performances at Roncalli. Roncalli's patriarch, Bernhard Paul, spoke of his excitement for the project, saying, "I'm a homesick Viennese. I love Vienna, especially the heuriger. I'm thrilled to see this spectacle coming to our city."
The director of this imaginative mix of artistry, magic, and music is Michael Schachermair. He expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "It's the best of all worlds - clownery, magic, artists, and music. I've never had an online casting with a clown before, but it was the best Zoom call of my life."
Eva Maria Marold, a cabaret actress, will play Madame Sophie, the circus director in the production. Marold shared her surprise at the character, exclaiming, "I can't believe it! Now I'm already playing mothers!" The enigmatic role of Cagliostro, an alchemist, charlatan, and adventurer, will be portrayed by Thomas Borchert. Tickets for the presale are now available.
Premiere Details:The production "Cagliostro – Johann Strauss im Zirkuszelt" will debut on 10 September 2025 at Vienna's Circus-Theater Roncalli, located at Heumarkt. Performances will run daily at 15:00 and 19:30, continuing until 28 September 2025.
The Creative Team, Cast & Music:Thomas Brezina, an acclaimed Austrian children’s author, authored the libretto, blending circus magic with operetta. The production will feature a "Zirkusoperette," or circus operetta, combining live orchestral performances of Johann Strauss's music with circus acts under the Roncalli tent. Specific casting details have yet to be announced, though performances will likely involve circus performers alongside vocalists. Features Strauss's compositions rearranged for a live orchestra.
The show will emphasize immersive staging within the circus environment, forgoing traditional theater adaptations of Strauss's works. Hosted in Roncalli’s iconic circus tent at Heumarkt, Vienna, known for its high-production-value performances, tickets for "Cagliostro – Johann Strauss im Zirkuszelt" can be obtained through the theater's official channels.
- The unfamiliar operetta, 'Fledermaus' by Strauss, serves as the foundation for the immersive 'Cagliostro – Johann Strauss im Zirkuszelt' production at Vienna's Circus-Theater Roncalli, undervalued as a source of entertainment.
- Under the legendary circus tent of Roncalli, Johann Strauss's music, specifically the melodies from 'Fledermaus', will be harmoniously blended with circus acts, creating a vibrant and engaging spectacle.
- Renowned author and Strauss enthusiast, Thomas Brezina, has transformed the tale of 'Cagliostro in Vienna' into a captivating narrative that follows the circus and operetta, demonstrating his passion for the waltz king.
- As the music maestro, Johnny Bertl has reimagined Strauss's compositions from 'Fledermaus' for the circus-themed production, labeling it as 'entertainment music' that respectfully interprets the original melodies.
