He was a young Jewish-Hungarian piano student destined to become a concert pianist until fate intervened. Sidelined by neuritis, he turned his focus to composition and became one of the most prominent operetta composers. Imre Kalman’s fusion of Hungarian folk music and Viennese style brought about the creation of works like Czardas Princess, the masterpiece that Toronto Operetta Theatre is performing from December 30th to January 4th.
The last time TOT produced this operetta was online in the summer of 2021, and they presented the Canadian premiere in 1987. How fortunate we are that General Director Guillermo Silva-Marin has again assembled a top-notch cast for this iteration. It has the usual mix of hijinks, mistaken identities and hidden secrets prevalent in operetta, all wrapped up in a gorgeous score which reads as a nonstop hit parade of the early 20th century “Silver Age” of Viennese operetta. Under Derek Bate’s skilled conducting, the ten-piece orchestra was adept at playing the score’s demanding rhythmic and tempo variations. Add accomplished vocalists to this tight ensemble, and the result was magical.
Maeve Palmer makes her TOT debut as Sylvia Varescu, the cabaret singer who has captured the heart of a prince. Operetta is a genre that brings out the best in Palmer; she is a trained dancer who kicked up a storm in a csardas and waltzes with beautiful form, a fine actor who effectively portrayed the strength and vulnerability of her character, and a virtuosic coloratura whose stratospheric high notes contrasted with her sultry lower tones. Despite her petiteness, Palmer is a musical giant on stage.
Scott Rumble was an equally beguiling lead. Making it seem effortless, Rumble danced, sang and laughed his way through the demanding role of Prince Edwin. His ringing top notes provided musical drama in an operetta dominated by lighter dance motifs. He and Palmer made an adorable couple, and their vocal blending was gorgeous, particularly in their duet “Let Me Dance and Let Me Sing.”
Photo Credit: Gary Beechey, BDS Studios
Sebastien Belcourt with members of the women’s ensemble
Sebastien Belcourt was an outstanding Count Boni Káncsiánu. Belcourt is a gifted comic actor, an agile dancer, and has a pleasant baritone voice in ensemble and solo work. He and Rumble delighted the audience with their comic escapades, and Belcourt picked up the pace of the storytelling whenever he was onstage. As his love interest, Patricia Wrigglesworth was a charming Countess Stasi. Her crystal-clear tones and excellent diction were a treat to listen to. Together, Belcourt and Wrigglesworth made an attractively strong “second couple.”
Joseph Ernst was convincing as the aristocratic Feri whose fine acting, strong singing and clear diction helped us unravel the plot’s twists and turns. Meghan Symon was a very funny Princess Anhilte, while Handaya Rusli hilariously portrayed her pompous and befuddled husband, Prince Leopold. Kudos to Austin Larusson and Taylor Gibbs for their well-delivered lines. Bravo to the entire chorus for providing a rich, full sound with their 13-voice ensemble.
The costumes in the first act were particularly charming, and the brilliant reds of Sylvia and her dance troupe were eye-popping. The male players looked distinguished in their tuxedos, although some needed tailoring. The sets were elegantly simple as was the lighting design. At times, the performers looked washed out, and the lack of makeup was noticeable. The choreography was effective, especially considering the small stage.
Csardas Princess premiered in Vienna on November 17, 1915. One can only imagine the respite that Kalaman’s music brought during the dark days of World War One. The only simmering conflict we see in the operetta is Sylvia’s struggle with class oppression, which luckily turns out for all the best for when she marries her true love. We too are now struggling with dark political times; perhaps a step back in time is what you need before you face another new year. The cast and production team of TOT’s Czardas Princess will bring a smile to even the most beleaguered heart this season.
Photo Credit: Gary Beechey, BDS Studios
Patricia Wrigglesworth (Countess Stasi) and Scott Rumble (Edwin) in Czardas Princess
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