"Waldmeister" portrayed as a vibrant homemade opera film
In a fun, lively twist, operetta maestro Josef E. Köpplinger revamped the seldom-performed "Waldmeister" by Johan Strauss. This production, brimming with campy clichés and a dynamic cast, leaves audiences roaring with laughter at the MuseumsQuartier, following a successful run in Munich City Theatre.
Imagine a love story filled with mistaken identities, scandalous performances, and a satisfying conclusion, set against the backdrop of 1950s Austria nestled in the heart of the Wienerwald. "Waldmeister" is a delightful farce, serving as both an homage to the sensual pleasures and a cheeky throwback to the era. Fans of absurdism and innuendo will not want to miss this.
The source material dates back to 1895 when Strauss composed the music for the operetta's three acts based on a libretto by Gustav Davis. Despite initial success in Vienna, the work eventually faded into obscurity, only later to be resurrected as a rare operetta treasure.
Playful Interactions and Spontaneous Delights
The plot revolves around a group of rowdy forestry students holed up in a secluded tavern, "Zur Waldmühle," while escaping a sudden storm. What follows is a series of flirtatious encounters and mix-ups exacerbated by the consumption of a powerful elderflower concoction. Tensions build as the characters' inhibitions dissolve and conventions crumble, leading to chaotic, hilarious sequences that defy societal norms.
Köpplinger's revisions bring the story into the 1950s and include alterations to the original script. He transferred the action from the original Austrian setting to the Wienerwald, and many silly clichés are lovingly exaggerated, all while eradicating any hint of homophobia.
Classic Austrian Elegance Meets Modern Flair
Before the curtain rises, vintage title and cast credits etch across the stage, accompanied by the timeless overture, creating an inviting home-movie atmosphere. Decor embodying the spirit of the 1950s with a sprinkle of Austrian charm adorns the set: think rustic signs, SPO posters, and a scenic town backdrop reminiscent of St. Pölten.
With a smattering of chuckles and outright laughter, audiences watch as mild-mannered, uptight characters shed their conventional shells after taking a swig of the potent elderflower brew. The second act builds to a frenzied (teen-friendly) orgy, punctuated by instances of iconic Viennese dances.
In a pre-performance interview, Köpplinger, the production's director, notes that the show can serve as a reflection of modern relationships: "In an era where we seek to maintain certain conventions, this piece reminds us that we shouldn't be told when to reveal ourselves or who we share the city with."
Praise for the Chart-Topping Cast
Köpplinger's carefully selected ensemble shines, featuring celebrated actors like Robert Meyer and a crop of seasoned Austrian talent: Sophia Keiler delivers a mesmerizing performance as the seductive Pauline, while countrymen Daniel Prohaska, Matteo Ivan Rašić, and Regina Schörg mesmerize with their top-notch vocals.
Under the baton of conductor Michael Brandstätter, the Gärtnerplatz Theater orchestra performed exquisitely, having consulted the original score during rehearsals and reconstruction. Encores resounded throughout the theater as the attendees erupted into sustained applause.
Do yourself a favor and indulge in an evening of unbridled silliness that captures the spirit of 1950s Austria and buries you in laughter. Let the intoxicating melodies of "Waldmeister" sweep you away while you forget the stress of the present and dive into the free-spirited escapades of the past. Prost zu einem opulenten Abend im MuseumsQuartier!
- The overture of the play "Waldmeister" is presented as a timeless invitation to the audience, creating an engaging home-movie atmosphere before the performance.
- Robert Meyer, along with Sophia Keiler, Daniel Prohaska, Matteo Ivan Rašić, and Regina Schörg, are praised for their exceptional performances in Köpplinger's production of "Waldmeister."
- In aorous pre-performance interview, Köpplinger highlights the relevance of the play to modern relationships, suggesting that it serves as a reminder to challenge societal norms and embrace self-expression.
- The revamped production of "Waldmeister," brimming with campy clichés and dynamic humor, staged as an entertaining farce in the MuseumsQuartier, leaves audiences roaring with laughter and feeling happy.
