EMMERICH KÁLMÁN The Carnival Fairy Die Faschingsfee (1917)

Presented at the 2012 Ohio Light Opera as “Miss Springtime”

THE OHIO LIGHT OPERA

Steven Byess conductor Steven Daigle artistic director The Carnival Fairy Music...... Emmerich Kálmán PROGRAM NOTES ...... Michael D. Miller English Translation...... Steven Daigle Original German Libretto: In 1908, word reached the A. M. Willner, Rudolf Österreicher Vienna operetta community of a Additional research...... Meredith Achey 25-year-old Hungarian composer— Imre Kálmán—and the success that OHIO LIGHT OPERA he was achieving in Budapest with Artistic Director...... Steven Daigle his military operetta Tatárjárás Conductor...... Steven Byess (Tatar Invasion). Managers of the Stage Director...... Steven Daigle prestigious Theater an der Wien Production Stage Manager...Katie Humphrey brought to Vienna both the Sound Design...... Brian Rudell show—translated into German as CAST: Ein Herbstmanöver (presented and Countess Alexandra...... Tara Sperry recorded for Albany by Ohio Light Viktor Ronai...... Grant Knox Opera as Autumn Maneuvers in Emmerich Kálmán (1882-1953) Hubert...... Jacob Allen 2002)—and the composer, renamed Emmerich. Lori...... Natalie Ballenger Never had a Budapest show become a big success in Vienna, Count Mereditt...... Stephen Faulk and local music and theater critics saw little to suggest that Lubitschek...... Christopher Cobbett this show was going to be an exception: “Kálmán consistently Duke Ottokar...... Mark Snyder nurtures those pining melodies or those exciting rhythms that Dierks...... Geoffrey Kannenberg his countrymen can listen to for hours, while they are boring Pappritz...... Nathan Brian on the Viennese ear after only five minutes.” And yet Ein Goetz...... Andrew Maughan Herbstmanöver became an overnight sensation and Vienna Merringer...... Ezra Bershatsky audiences filled the theater for month after month. The show Mizzi...... Mary Griffith was exported to capitals around the world: New York, London, ENSEMBLE: Moscow, Argentina, Mexico, Australia. The course of Viennese Justin Berkovitz, Ezra Bershatsky, Sarah Best, Nathan operetta—just a few years earlier brought back to life with Brian, Ashley Close, Alexa Devlin, Malia French, Franz Lehár’s Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow)—was Mary Griffith, Kristina Hanford, Danielle McCormick again forever altered. Within a few years Emmerich Kálmán Knox, Benjamin Krumreig, Andrew Maughan, had dethroned Lehár as king of operetta in Vienna, a position Caroline Miller, Zachery Morris, Brooke Morrison, Emily Neill, Nathan Owen, Allison Schumaker, Kálmán maintained throughout most of the teen decade and Jarrett Smith, and Nicholas Wuehrmann. 1920s. In 1912, Kálmán achieved an even greater success with ❦ 2 ❦ Der Zigeunerprimás (known in America as Sari and recorded for Albany by OLO in 2001), his first real Viennese operetta, with the dances, songs and developed finales that the discriminating public de- manded. Whereas Lehár had operatic ambitions and assumed a more international posture in his musical stylings, with only occasional reminiscences of his Hungarian background, Kálmán never abandoned his roots in seamlessly juxtaposing, in his nearly twenty shows during a 45-year composing career, Kálmán Austrian postage stamp Fritzi Massary (1882-1969) the elegance and exhilaration of the Viennese waltz with the csárdás and gypsy rhythms of his homeland. Strauss-Theater and played to spellbound audiences In 1915, Kálmán wrote for the Budapest stage for a year. the last of his three operettas set to an original The following season, Berlin’s Metropol-Theater Hungarian libretto. Titled Zsuzsi kisasszony (Miss mounted the show for its star soprano Fritzi Massary, Susie), it centered on a village postmistress with for whom Kálmán rewrote significant portions of the singing ambitions, who is infatuated with an operatic score and turned it into a showcase for the diva. The tenor. She follows him to Budapest, sings with him, premiere, on September 18, 1918, was a stunning but eventually tires of big city life and returns home success—Massary was called for three encores of to her newspaperman boyfriend. In a break with the “Lieber Himmelvater, sei nicht bös” (“Dearest God usual pattern, producers from Broadway, rather than Above Us, Don’t Be Mad”), which has become one Vienna, secured the first international rights. In 1916, of the composer’s most performed and recognized with English lyrics by famed novelist P. G. Wode- melodies. It is this Berlin version of Die Faschingsfee, house, the show opened at the New Amsterdam given its American premiere in Steven Daigle’s English Theater as Miss Springtime, ran for 227 perfor- performance translation, that was presented by OLO mances and became the longest running book in summer 2012 as Miss Springtime and recorded musical of the year, featuring four interpolated songs here, more accurately titled The Carnival Fairy. by Jerome Kern. Spurred by this Broadway success, Kálmán sought Producer’s Note: a German-language libretto for which he could adapt The entire musical score from the acclaimed 2012 OLO his own score of Zsuzsi for Vienna. Librettists Rudolf summer production is recorded here, with a truncated Österreicher and Arthur Willner answered the call: version of the spoken dialogue. For further information about the Kálmán full performance edition, please the team’s Die Faschingsfee (The Carnival Fairy) contact OLO online at ohiolightopera.org or by opened on September 21, 1917 at the Johann- email at [email protected].

❦ 3 ❦ PLOT SYNOPSIS ACT II. Weeks later, Viktor’s prize money has been mysteriously restored. He has finished a painting of ACT I. Artists and revellers gather at a Munich his unknown Carnival Fairy. She reappears and bar to celebrate Carnival. Viktor Ronai, a painter, announces he has won a 50,000 mark com- confides to Hubert it is she who secretly paid the mission from Count Mereditt. The elegant but commission. Viktor is delighted to see her and shows her the portrait. Mereditt arrives, denying maverick Hungarian Countess Alexandra enters the money came from him, but to save face, he breathlessly; she is masked and has been co- gives another 50,000 marks to Hubert for Viktor. opted by the revellers as their impromptu When Hubert asks Alexandra to hold the cash, Carnival Queen, “Miss Springtime.” Engaged to wed Duke Ottokar and supervised by his cousin, Lori sees and misunderstands. She reports this to the bon vivant Hubert, Alexandra is instantly Ronai who, in a rage, tears up the painting. The arrival of Duke Ottokar only complicates matters. attracted to Ronai. They explore their mutual attraction, while she maintains her in cognito. ACT III. A fancy Munich hotel. Hubert has patched Meantime, Hubert’s artist model girlfriend Lori things up with Lori and reveals to the humbled objects to all the attention being paid the Ronai Alexandra’s true generosity. She cannot mysterious Alexandra, especially by Hubert. easily forgive him, but dictates a haughty letter Count Mereditt arrives, flirts with Alexandra, which Hubert re-writes into a love letter. The Duke inciting the anger of Ronai, who doesn’t actually again enters, is convinced of Alexandra’s true know his patron. Mereditt withdraws the prize feelings, and generously offers her Ronai’s hand and Alexandra is horrified. which she accepts to the delight of all.

FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR For almost 35 years The little of everything: a well-known Wooster, its community and Ohio Light Opera has been and lesser-known Gilbert and nearly 600,000 patrons who dedicated to producing, promo- Sullivan, a Viennese operetta, a have championed the company's ting and preserving the best of French operetta, an American dedication to operetta have given the traditional operetta reper- operetta and a revival of a long- OLO a reputation that reaches toire. In any summer season, forgotten work that is given a internationally. In no small way, 20,000 patrons come to hear much-deserved rebirth for an Albany Records has added to the and see more than sixty perfor- appreciative audience. This CD company’s success. The company mances of seven productions on set will hopefully give the oper- and the operetta art form are the beautiful campus of The Col- etta aficionado a taste of what indebted to John Ostendorf and lege of Wooster in Ohio. These makes this company unique. Albany for their commitment. shows offer the operetta fan a The support of the College of Steven Daigle ❦ 4 ❦ The Carnival Fairy Overture Track 1 ACT ONE A Bohemian bar, The Green Paintbrush, at Carnival time, 1915. Carnival Music Track 2 Munich Carnival REVELLERS (heard from the street) revellers at The La-la-la! (The mood turns plaintive.) Green Paint Brush bar. Scene Track 3 VIKTOR RONAI (a Munich painter, I could embrace the whole world! It’s how we live from day to day. enters with revellers and friends) A drink!! ALL Hello, my Bohemian brethren! ALL Bonded by Bohemian pride, ALL A drink!! The brotherhood can’t be denied. Viktor! RONAI RONAI RONAI Dance through the night If you lack imagination, Friends! You’ll never guess what I ‘Til morning’s light. Inspiration starts to sink. have been doing. Painting for ten Here’s my home and my family. There’s one way to make one think. days straight for an art compe- When you share time ALL tition sponsored by Count Lothar With Bohemian friends, that’s You drink, drink, drink...! Mereditt where first prize awarded When great art of the world begins. RONAI is 50,000 marks! But what I need RONAI, LUBITSCHEK Buzzing with intoxication, now is a drink! So let us dance through the night Soaring like the bobolink, LUBITSCHEK (a tipsy old Bohemian) ‘Til morning’s light. Champagne flows as rivers pink. Some fizzling fermentation to Here’s our home and our family. ALL drown your rejection and humil- It’s both by day and by night Let’s drink... iation? That life’s flame burns so bright. RONAI RONAI Celebrate, celebrate for life is short. Artists live by their own way, On the contrary! My sketches have ALL Rosy world of yesterday, received the first prize. Tomorrow I Celebrate... Carefree life with little cost, pick up the banker’s note for the RONAI With money made and lost. 50,000 marks! We all share our daily fortune. By the moon we play our part, ALL (toasting him) Winning art has paid today. Lofty dreams and broken hearts. Viktor! Congratulations...! Should we work or should we play? This is how our life informs our art. RONAI ALL Drown your sorrows all away. You can’t imagine how happy I am! Let’s play... ❦ 5 ❦ Dialogue Track 4 to the Embassy ball! HUBERT (a young courtier, enters, as LORI the others drift off) Mr. Lubitschek, Really? At the last minute? Oh, I have you been drinking?! know you too well, you and your LUBITSCHEK (He has.) “Embassy Ball!” Well, go! (She goes.) My moral servitude has been HUBERT (following her) corrupted! Hubert, go away! But, Lori, please! HUBERT Go away? Well, that hurts! Among Scene Track 5 the artists of this tavern, I feel right REVELLERS (re-entering noisily) at home, like a fish in water! Carnival, a fairytale of dreams. LUBITSCHEK In a car arrived our secret queen. Yes, especially when that dancer Stop the car, Lori dips in your pool. For longing hearts are racing Painter Viktor Ronai (Grant Knox) HUBERT (flattered) For a thousand kisses celebrates his 50,000-mark commission. Yes, a Bohemian always needs From our Carnival Queen. RONAI someone to touch his heart and ALEXANDRA (a Hungarian countess Table full of food and spirits inspire his pen! enters, masked and laughing) Dulls the senses, some would say, LUBITSCHEK At nine my car was at the gate Fuels our work and fuels our play. A Bohemian? You’re certainly not And then my driver ALL one! You are a young, rich baron Offered me his arm. Let’s play... who needs only to unlock the To the car seats nice and warm, RONAI cashbox of father’s fortune and Velvet blue, Art might mimic how we live. merrily frolic about the world chasing The coupe controlled my fate. All depends on what you give. your little chorus girl. But do come I slid behind the driver’s wheel, Carnival brings new romance, quickly. Lori’s waiting for you! For the first time declared So let us sing and dance. HUBERT I’m on my own. Throw your caution to the wind, Yes, I fear Lori will not be happy Driving down the road alone, Let your freedom be your friend. with me tonight! I can’t go with her Speeding through the streets It will motivate the art within. to the masquerade. Was such a thrill. Spark the passion in the soul. LORI (a model, has entered) Then there came such a jolt: It is the artist’s daily goal. What did you say? I had sped and lost control ALL LUBITSCHEK (goes) To where a carriage wouldn’t tread. Bonded by... Now he’s in for it! I thought I was dead! RONAI, ALL HUBERT There appeared Dance through the night... Lori, I can’t stay tonight. I must go Such a crowd dressed for Carnival. (They all laugh and celebrate.) They pounded on the hood ❦ 6 ❦ Demanding as they said: So I slipped away to take my flight. ALEXANDRA “Carnival, a fairytale of dreams, Carnival, a fairytale... (The revellers Nature makes us all guilty, even In a car arrived our secret queen. celebrate noisily, then dance off.) when we are just as shy as the little Stop the car... “ violets in March! I honked in hope Dialogue Track 6 HUBERT The crowd would leave. HUBERT (returns, dejected) Well really, Your Highness, didn’t you To my surprise it only made them Lori won’t listen at all! I’m nothing mean to say it makes a Countess a cheer more than a passing fancy to her “little sly” and a “little violent in As the men were coming near. now! March?” Words of longing ALEXANDRA (sees him) ALEXANDRA Made it hard to breathe. Hubert, thank goodness! Here’s one Well, perhaps! of my own kind! One man, he took me in his arms. Duet Track 7 He whispered words of love HUBERT (astounded) Your Highness? Really? You? Here? ALEXANDRA That humored me. I confess a woman’s heart starts So I laughed hysterically, What brings Your Highness into this Bohemian shack? yearning Knowing I’m receptive to his charms. Every time she sees a man. Overcome with new life, ALEXANDRA I had a most unfortunate incident It’s so hard to fight with passion’s I became excited burning By the joyful revel of the night, with the car! Hardly had I sat behind the wheel, when a group of Carnival Every time they touch your hand. Such a crazy sight. HUBERT Well, as for me, revellers surrounded me! They de- manded that I join in the celebration! By a glance I could see that the crowd She can signal romance. Was growing restless. I escaped their clutches and found my way here. But my car may have And you’ll know that been damaged. You’re senseless to all their advances. ALEXANDRA HUBERT Man may hope to deny This is no place for a lady like you! Every siren you go by. My cousin, Duke Ottokar, will wed But you will fall you in three weeks. You should not To their beckoning call. be here! When a man gives in to Cupid’s way, ALEXANDRA As he ardently will say: It’s Carnival! I can’t deny my Hun- “Maiden, can I please hold you garian instincts. I’ll be very good and Close in my arms? modest! Cross my heart! Cupid’s dart struck my heart HUBERT By your charms. Hungarian Countess Alexandra Yes, women all say that. (Tara Sperry) arrives incognito. You won’t deny that fate ❦ 7 ❦ Has brought me to you me, I’ll serve this beautiful creature accident. And the path of love a glass of the finest champagne. RONAI Is better shared by two. (bows and goes off) Won’t you please tell me who Maiden... ALEXANDRA (impressed) you are? By my side all inside starts to warm. Who was that? ALEXANDRA Life is fleeting, let’s advance HUBERT No. To a night filled with romance. He’s a young painter, a friend of RONAI Fate may not bring a second chance.” mine. Why? HUBERT ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRA I confess, a man can lose his reason A very good-looking young man! Is it important? When a woman bats an eye. But remember, my dear Hubert, RONAI Love’s in bloom discretion! I am incognito! I know exactly who you are! With ev’ry passing season. RONAI (returning) ALEXANDRA Nature’s way can’t be denied. Madame, here is the champagne. Oh…? ALEXANDRA By the way, Hubert, Lori has already RONAI She insists with a sigh and a kiss asked about you three times. You... are the Carnival Fairy Queen. And you’ll know it’s the time HUBERT (going) ALEXANDRA (amused) When you find what true bliss is. She is, in truth, terribly jealous. I will Good. I’ll be your Carnival fairy. HUBERT be back very soon. Just call me...“Miss Springtime.” By the scent in the room RONAI But remember, we fairies don’t like You will know it’s her perfume. Permit me, Madame, to introduce it when anyone asks where they A foolish heart signals love to start. myself. I am Viktor Ronai... a painter. come from. ALEXANDRA Has Madame ever been to this little By the moon artists’ restaurant before? Scene Track 9 They stroll out for a walk. ALEXANDRA RONAI Playfully they kiss and talk. No, I owe this honor to a little car I promise not to ask, but you must BOTH permit me, “Miss Springtime…” Maiden... (They laugh and dance.) ALEXANDRA Dialogue Track 8 Yes? RONAI (enters) RONAI Oh, Hubert! I thought you were To tell you that I’ve never seen alone! (seeing Alexandra, aside) Tell anyone more beautiful in my life! me, who is this? ALEXANDRA HUBERT (inventing) So, you are at peace with my This is “Her…” “Her Slyness!” anonymity? RONAI RONAI She is truly charming! If you permit Alexandra and Viktor Ronai toast. Of course. And you? ❦ 8 ❦ ALEXANDRA tion and it’s just for one night. She’ll I find it charming to sit here and drink soon be out of my life. Why, she champagne with someone whom I means nothing to me. It involves a knew nothing about five minutes ago. cousin, a love affair and family honor. LORI When the night of love is calling, Not another word. I should have There is nothing more enthralling never gotten involved with you! Than to have a rendezvous LUBITSCHEK (entering with girls) With someone you just met today. Bravo, that’s my motto! Leave each RONAI other and be happy! Ladies, be smart Carnival’s intoxicating. The first kiss. and stay angry! Love can be as con- Love’s desire can’t keep you waiting. tagious as the… as the... (sneezes) ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRA HUBERT If he’s too bold, Love can bring a new aesthetic, ...what? You can ask him not to stay. Painted art or words poetic. LUBITSCHEK RONAI RONAI Flu! He looks into your eyes Vision so clear. HUBERT (dejectedly) And steals a single kiss. It’s my fairy tale I’ve dreamed. The tenderness of every caress ALEXANDRA Yes, the most dangerous germ is Makes one lost The carnival will mask the hearts love, and kisses make it infectious. In such heavenly bliss. In Love’s sweet game. LUBITSCHEK ALEXANDRA The night soon ends, reality wins Absolutely! Love can bring such chances And a gentleman HUBERT When the night advances. Won’t know my name. And ladies, you have a remedy that Strangers meet, it fuels the fire BOTH only makes it worse! And wakens all desire. Love can bring.. (He kisses her, they LORI Like the summer breezes dance a little and go out.) And I’m the only one who can make Burns a flame that seizes. you sick! Soon we’ll part Scene Track 10 HUBERT But memories will remain. LORI (storms in with Hubert) No doubt! No, don’t bother! I don’t want to Will we meet again? At first they’ll wave when strolling by. hear about it. I don’t want to know. RONAI Their curvy form will make men sigh. It’s over between us. Fate can leave a life of sorrow. Their captive glance is by design, HUBERT No one knows what comes So graceful and refined. But be reasonable, Lori! I can’t do tomorrow. LORI anything about it. I have to stay close Just by chance you meet a queen. They play their part coquettishly to this woman. It’s a family obliga- It changes what true love may mean. With grace and such civility, ❦ 9 ❦ But underneath their dressing gown ALL THREE, LADIES Makes you yearn Love’s yearning can be found. They’ll play the part with sensual art, For your turn to repeat. LUBITSCHEK With rhyme and verse and song. LADIES They slide and glide You’ll want to hum along. Hello, good sir! When holding them quite near. Hello, good sir! ALL ALL THREE Temptation is great, you’ll see. They’ll play the part... Hello, good They joke, provoke, Since Adam met Eve sir… (They dance off.) And whisper in your ear. He didn’t believe HUBERT He shouldn’t have ate from the tree. Finale Track 11 When they dance, Hello, good sir... ALEXANDRA (enters) They flirt and coo and tease. Temptation is great with me. Hubert, has my car been serviced? LORI The Devil was smart: HUBERT (has remained) Not by chance “Give Eve the part. It should arrive any moment, the Their waltzing form will seize. Let Adam bite his little apple tart.” maître d’ just told me. HUBERT LORI ALEXANDRA With a turn the heart will skip a beat. She plays the part with modest eyes, Hubert, please go and check on it. Ev’ry step you make, With gentle moans or horrid cries. (Hubert exits. Count Mereditt and Ev’ry breath you take, Just when there is tranquility, Dierks enter.) Makes you yearn for your turn. Then soon she will deceive. MEREDITT (sees her) To repeat: LUBITSCHEK Now didn’t I tell you it was she who LADIES She speaks of domesticity was in the car? Do you believe me Hello, good Sir! But makes her own atrocities. now? And by their femininity, DIERKS (putting on his monocle) No man is ever free. By my soul, Mereditt, you’re right! HUBERT MEREDITT (approaches Alexandra) They please and tease May I offer you some companion- And serve you tea in bed. ship? They fight and bite ALEXANDRA And wish that you were dead. Excuse me! I have not had the honor. LORI DIERKS Men are lost My sweetheart, we’re regulars in Without a woman’s heart. this establishment, but I can tell you It’s the cost: we all must play our part. are not! With a turn, the heart will skip a beat. MEREDITT So, beautiful lady, let’s spend the Lubitschek (Christopher Cobbett, left) Every step you make, and Hubert (Jacob Allen, right) lift Lori. Every breath you take night together until the sun rises! (Natalie Ballenger). First a little champagne supper in the ❦ 10 ❦ booth! Our own chambre séparée. Protecting the princess’ honor. Come, my little Miss Springtime. MEREDITT (reads Viktor’s card) ALEXANDRA (indignant) Why, yes. “Viktor Ronai. A Bohemian I will not tolerate such advances. painter.” Maybe you’ll be interested DIERKS (laughing) to find out what my name might be. Such scruples! But, little thing, (shows Viktor his own card) you’re in The Green Paintbrush! RONAI (reads, shocked) ALEXANDRA (moving away) “Count Lothar Mereditt!” Oh! Gentlemen, I must earnestly ask... MEREDITT Alexandra is courted by Count MEREDITT Mereditt (Stephen Faulk). Indeed, Count Lothar Mereditt, We didn’t come here for such insipid from whom you’ll be collecting responses! After a glass of cham- The buzz gives the fairy flight. the prize of 50,000 marks tomorrow. One laughs and one dreams pagne, you’ll melt! But save yourself the trip. Through the night. The marks you’ll have to borrow. Please, my darling lady, don’t be shy. ALEXANDRA To my surprise, you weren’t so wise: DIERKS, MEREDITT Let go of me... Leave me alone...! A chaperone of working girls Our advances aren’t so bold. RONAI (comes forward) Will never get my prize. In a place like this you can’t deny Stop! Gentlemen, please. MEREDITT, DIERKS, MEN Such discretion we will hold. What’s the problem? Regretfully, I leave you. Maiden, a chambre séparée Can’t you see the lady doesn’t want Yes, regretfully I/we leave you. Waits for you. to be with you now? ‘Til we meet again, adieu! There’s a booth in the back It seems, gentlemen, MEREDITT, MEN (bow to Alexandra) Built for two. That this lovely lady has had enough. My dear, I fear I was a little brash. Yes, there champagne MEREDITT The Fairy Queen made such a scene Will pop its cork all night long “Lady,” dear sir? My senses crashed. And will haunt ‘til morning birds Have you ever met a real lady? My dear, I fear Begin their song. RONAI It’s Carnival that is to blame. ALL (diners, patrons have assembled) You may not insult her. For quick romance Maiden, a chambre... MEREDITT You drink and dance. It is best that you stay here in view. What was that? Such virtue is a mystery We have heard his line before: RONAI (hands Mereditt his card) And romance such a novelty. “Champagne’s what you are looking Please leave us. If you wish, we can Forgive me, if you might. for.” continue this fight at a more Pardon, adieu, goodnight! ALEXANDRA (distressed) respectable time and location... GENTLEMEN (exit) Let go of me! Please let me go! ALL Adieu! Goodnight! ALL Just like a knight, LUBITSCHEK (spoken, to Ronai) When champagne blinds your sight, Saving the maiden fair, Oh, Viktor, don’t worry about the ❦ 11 ❦ prize! Another patron will soon her hands, looks into her eyes.) ALEXANDRA (regretfully) come along. RONAI Yes, yes, I’m coming! MERRINGER I ask for just one wish: HUBERT Yes, Viktor, forget the prize and Give me my one wish Now it’s really high time. We must be continue the masquerade with us. And see me again, hold me again, leaving. (helps her into her fur) RONAI (pensively) Kiss me again. ALEXANDRA (as Hubert goes out) I will, my friends. Please, leave me Your vision I will keep Yes, yes, right away! alone for a moment. (They go.) Same And hold it in my sleep. BOTH, then ALEXANDRA damned story! Everything’s gone! True love in dreams Never again shall we part... ALEXANDRA (comes forward from You have awakened. Now I must leave you. Farewell! the shadows) Forgive me! Dearest, I’ve waited for you. RONAI RONAI Dearest, my dreams have come true. Will I see you again? One more time? Why? Love blooms like roses, ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRA A sweet bouquet. One time? Perhaps. (She kisses him What have I done? I’ve destroyed True happiness found us today. and hurries out.) this opportunity for you! Never again shall we part. END ACT ONE / END CD I RONAI Faithfully give me your heart. But please, you couldn’t have done Speak only words Entr’acte CD TWO, Track 1 anything about that! I did only what That I’m longing to hear. ACT II any man in such circumstances I’m yours forever, dear. Three weeks later. Viktor Ronai’s should do! ALEXANDRA renovated artist studio. ALEXANDRA Promises made can be filled with Introduction Track 2 No! You did more than most men! regret. LUBITSCHEK (sitting, drinking with How can I thank you? Because of me, Hold me again, kiss me again. other artists and models) an artist has lost an opportunity for Secrets I hold inside Life is divine money and a commission! How can I One day I won’t deny. When toasting with your friends. help? What will you do? This night of happiness is fleeting. PAPPRITZ RONAI Love can be so wonderful... Women and wine: Brave another Bohemian hardship! Trust in this, my heart, my dear. Let’s hope there is no end. Find another subject to paint. Love calms such fears. LUBITSCHEK Capture the image of an enchanting Dearest, I’ve waited... Bubbling champagne, carnival fairy in my mind, study every BOTH How could we ask for more? line, trace every form, and cherish Never again... (They kiss again.) PAPPRITZ, ALL every stroke of the hand! HUBERT (enters) Drives one insane ALEXANDRA The car is ready to leave. Oh! I beg With dancing on the floor. How can I thank you? Perhaps I can your pardon. ALL do something for you? (Ronai takes Our noble Viktor we toast ❦ 12 ❦ For riches that he shares, yes For the party that we have today. Bohemians. By this boon we know he really cares. When you’re down on luck LUBITSCHEK La vie bohème, And lost your way, There I concur! My friends, long live The world that we live in, Fortune smiles: the Bohemian, long live love! Let’s hope it never ends! All of life’s cares are cast away RONAI (as the others gather round) LUBITSCHEK By our gracious Viktor. Hurrah... When love whispers softly, I often had a prophecy All my dreams shine That Viktor’s fortune he would win. Scene Track 3 A bright rosy glow. But now he spends excessively LUBITSCHEK Fairytale carnival is the world I know. And soon he’s poor again. Your studio looks like the ruins of So it seems in those dreams ALL something once ostentatious! Searching I must go. Oh Lubitschek, so circumspect, RONAI The dream ends—she has left me, Your moral meddling makes us sick. Everything that you see Lubitschek, I But the vision We’d rather not know owe to the good Count Mereditt! Grows stronger each day: What you think Yes, my friend, three days after our By her walk, in her talk And have another drink! argument at The Green Paintbrush, Brings the warmth of spring. RONAI (comes forward) the crusty old Count still sent me the When she smiles the birds, they sing. Maintain the celebration. 50,000 marks! Not only did he pay Flowers blooming, all consuming, Forget the salutations. the prize money, he funded this Fate has brought me the dream My home is yours studio. I have wished for. With choice hors d'oeuvres. LUBITSCHEK I found my true love. This banquet you deserve. But there seems to be one thing mis- She is all I see. The fun begins and never ends. sing from the night of the Carnival. Vision full of ecstasy. This wealth I share with my friends. RONAI (wistfully) Love burns so bright. Love for today. Yes, Miss Springtime. I’ve looked Magic vision of my dreams, Accept what life may bring, everywhere and asked practically Throw cares away everyone who was at The Green For love is beckoning. Paintbrush that night... ALL LUBITSCHEK Let’s toast to life How can you find true love on That fortune never ends. Carnival night when you are half- Both love and strife, drunk, don’t know the woman’s We share it with our friends. real name... Hail to the king of all Bohème! RONAI With our glasses high we salute you. I am in love. Art and love are two Hail... Let the celebration begin. things that are important to us Yes, a patron of the art did pay Viktor remembers his Carnival Queen. ❦ 13 ❦ Found in one night. to bring her there! It would be so HUBERT Fairy Queen of Carnival, much nicer to stay here with Lori! Now you want to speak with him? Come back to me, I pray... ALEXANDRA (enters, dressed in a He has no time to talk now! Will I see you some day? fur coat) Hubert! ALEXANDRA Send my kisses to my love HUBERT (shocked) Why? By the stars that shine above. Highness! You got out of the car HUBERT God, please hear me, and came in! Because... he is unavailable. Not free. Bring her near me. ALEXANDRA (looks around) He is married! Answer the promise she made. Yes! It’s charming here! The studio ALEXANDRA Fairy Queen... looks well-equipped. Married! I’ve seen many women, HUBERT HUBERT None of them half Well, no wonder! With all the money Hopefully you are cured, Your As charming as you. you’ve been giving him. Highness? Cheerfully, gracefully, ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRA It was love anew. Hubert! Just remember, he still Yes, let’s go! (Hubert leaves.) Graceful art touched my heart doesn’t know that the money came RONAI (enters; sees Alexandra) Like I never knew. from me. Am I seeing clearly? Is it possible... Yes, women I have painted, HUBERT you came back to me? (tries to kiss But your face I will never forget. No! He still believes it’s all came from her hand) When I looked in her eyes Count Mereditt. I arranged it that ALEXANDRA All was clear to me. way, just as you charged me to do! Please, Mr. Ronai. This is what love’s meant to be. But we must leave immediately! RONAI So enthralling, it was calling. ALEXANDRA Night and day I’ve yearned for you! Burns the fire of love’s sweet desire. Without even having spoken to him? ALEXANDRA I have such longing, You’re married to someone else! Waiting for your kiss. RONAI With you brought such heavenly bliss. Me, married? (laughing) Come back to me! But dearest love, that’s insane. For my heart’s in misery... ALEXANDRA Fairy Queen... What? You’re not married? None of ALL, RONAI it is true? Fairy Queen... (The crowd disperses.) RONAI Not a word! I can give you proof! (He Dialogue Track 4 goes to the painting on the easel.) HUBERT (enters) Please, come closer. You should be This would also be the night of the the first to know my secret! (He pulls Hubert argues with Alexandra. Countess’ betrothal! And I still have the curtain aside. The painting shows ❦ 14 ❦ RONAI Longing for the day that you’d return. Tell me what you would have written. Yes, the portrait is a dedication To my love and inspiration, Duet Track 5 Memories of a lonely heart ALEXANDRA That yearns. “Honorable sir, ALEXANDRA You might be quite surprised Paintings last forever, one must say. That I would write to you. Helps to make it Whispering at Carnival Through another day. Was not so wise, Kiss me, dear... For I’m in love with you. BOTH Viktor Ronai reveals his painting. Though it started out Yes, love is like... Alexandra in a gorgeous costume.) As just a playful game, RONAI ALEXANDRA Every day I’m thinking about you. You’re my love... Oh, the painting... That’s me! Yes, I hope that you ALEXANDRA RONAI Are thinking of me. My dear! (She goes off.) Yes! I have been feverishly painting it Life alone can make one dreary. since I last saw you. It’s titled “Miss I am feeling very sad and very blue.” Dialogue Track 6 Springtime.” RONAI MEREDITT (enters with Hubert) ALEXANDRA Such a letter I cannot deny. Good evening, Mr. Ronai! Yes, of course: my name that night. This is what I’d say in my reply: RONAI Flowers all around with little violets “Kiss me, dear. Ah, dear Count, I want to thank you in my hair. Even just once in my dreams. personally for all the kindness you RONAI Kiss me dear, so far away so it seems. have shown me! The Violetta of my dreams! Like a fairy tale with a wishing well, MEREDITT ALEXANDRA Love may drift away, you know. That’s why I’m here! I never sent Let’s hope that my fate is not so Please don’t let it go.“ you 50,000 marks. tragic! But... seeing you and this ALEXANDRA RONAI (astounded) painting is tearing me apart. I regret If you write such letters, Yes, but I thought… Hubert... where that I came at all! You could always say did you get the money? RONAI That you’re in love with me. HUBERT (innocently) Were you trying to forget me? Do you always think of me, What money? ALEXANDRA Both night and day and all eternity? RONAI I intended to write you a letter, to RONAI The 50,000 marks! tell you... that my heart was forever Sleepless nights I’ve painted you HUBERT changed by the one night we spent Within this scene, The money didn’t come from the together. Count. Someone else sent it to you. ❦ 15 ❦ RONAI who has a little nickname with us. nine. (looks at his watch) At a small Hubert, did you give me the money? The Cannon Countess. It’s her stage party in the Hotel Regina! HUBERT name because she used to work at ALEXANDRA Me? Yes! Now please, don’t be the circus. She wears a pink jumpsuit What? angry! It’s Carnival! from head to toe. Then the cannon is HUBERT RONAI brought in and into the barrel goes Where? Angry? Why should I be, for such the little lady! Then the powder is MEREDITT generosity? (goes) poured in, the fuse is lit...tss...tss... In the Hotel Regina! I was invited by MEREDITT (to Hubert) tss… Crack… boom… and she lands Duke Ottokar, though I’d much So, Hubert... you used my name as up on the platform! rather stay here. So, goodbye, my a smoke-screen? Here! (reaches into MEREDITT Cannon Countess! (leaves with his wallet and hands Hubert a wad Where is she now? Hubert) HUBERT of marks) ALEXANDRA (alone) Where? Uh... South America. HUBERT (takes the money, amazed) What a pretty mess! Once the Count MEREDITT What’s this? sees me again in the Hotel Regina What a shame! So we’ll never see MEREDITT her again?! and recognizes his “Cannon The 50,000 marks that you were so ALEXANDRA (re-enters) Countess,” it will be a catastrophe! willing to say were mine. Something’s telling me that I Alexandra, what games you play! HUBERT should stay… But I can’t help it! It’s my mischievous But, my dear Count… MEREDITT (sees her, astounded) Hungarian heritage. It always leads MEREDITT (brushes him aside) But, that’s her! to romance during Carnival season. Please. What I’m much more HUBERT (feigning astonishment, to interested in discussing is what her) My soul! You’ve already been Song Track 7 happened to that charming chorus shot back from America! ALEXANDRA girl at The Green Paintbrush? She MEREDITT (to Alexandra) When love’s forbidden in strict society must have had a fling with Ronai I trust no harm has come to the I let out what’s hidden after that, yes? beautiful little creature? For some variety. It spices, entices HUBERT ALEXANDRA An evening of romance, Count, what are you suggesting? Please sir, I have no interest… Feeding your vices A fling... with a countess! HUBERT (aside, to Alexandra) Through love’s enchanting dance. MEREDITT I told him that you were in the Secret disguises, A countess? What countess? circus... The “Cannon Countess!” Some slip outside your house. HUBERT Count, you must be pressed for time! Experience advises Countess? Did I say countess? Holy Please, here is your hat and your You should not tell your spouse. Cannons! …countess …oh yes, gloves. It spices, entices countess… I meant of course…the MEREDITT The love that you hold dear. “Cannon Countess.” The person Actually, I must be somewhere by All is forgiven ❦ 16 ❦ Your lover’s invited HUBERT To let his feelings go. Well, excuse me... The responsibility! The kissing continues, I’ve even gone so far as to tell Ronai It comes with such a cost. that all of the money came from No one’s complaining me, so that you wouldn’t be com- Your virtue has been lost. promised. Yes... Dearest Heavenly Father... ALEXANDRA (laughing) Bravo! That was clever of you! Dialogue Track 8 HUBERT (pulls out the wad of HUBERT (returning) money) Then Count Mereditt gave Count Mereditt will absolutely spoil me 50,000 marks for protecting him. everything when he recognizes you And now I’m carrying around 50,000 Alexandra reveals her Hungarian at the Hotel Regina. What will we do? marks like a hot brick! Countess, at heritage. Ah! I have it! Telephoning can save least take them away from me! When it’s just once a year. Yes... us! (goes to the phone) Yes, Please Please! You’d be doing me a favor! Dearest Heavenly Father, get me the Hotel Regina. Hello…! Accept my proposal! Don’t be mad. Hotel Regina? Gently break it to the LORI (has entered and heard this) Morals, strictly speaking, can be bad. Duke that we must put off the Aha! “…It’s just for one night. She’ll Pent-up virtue leads to bigger sins. engagement for... a quarter-hour! soon be out of my life. She means The Devil steals your soul and wins. That’s all! (hangs up) nothing to me.” From the time ALEXANDRA HUBERT That Adam first met Eve, You’re nervous! Nothing at all! I was just giving her There’s temptation found some money? On every tree. ALEXANDRA (calmly) Heavenly Father, see, He’s mistaken, Miss. My… handker- I’ll be true to thee. chief fell to the floor and Mr. von Bless me and set me free. Mützelburg was kind enough to give it back to me. Well, farewell! We’ll Sometimes resisting, speak later! (She goes off.) Can let temptation start. LORI Yes, when he’s insisting I heard a proposal and saw a stack of And tugging at your heart, banknotes! It’s all over with us! Caresses and kisses HUBERT Are so hard to deny. Lori, listen to me and be Bitter rejection cannot be your reply. reasonable! Feeling excited, Hubert calls the Hotel Regina. LORI Your answer can be no. No! I already know what you’ll say! ❦ 17 ❦ You’ll be all sugary sweet again and HUBERT Has now appeared. Hollaho... kiss me from dusk ‘til dawn! But, If I listened to what my family said, Now the three weeks of waiting tonight is the last time I’m going to Life would be a bore and I’d be dead. Comes to an end. let you do it! But we let our hearts For the fox is trapped in Viktor’s den! HUBERT Run wild and free. Hollaho... You will stay here Well, if I had known you were like To Hell with all our family! And nobody will let you go. this, I certainly would have taken my BOTH ‘Til you tell us the secret family’s advice about love quite Lorelei... (They dance and go off.) That we want to know. differently! Finish the game, tell us your name. Scene Track 10 Don’t think us dumb. Duet Track 9 ALEXANDRA (appears in a silk cloak) HUBERT Where are you from? Fairy Queen, He’ll be surprised! (looks at the Tell us where you’re from If I listened to my grand papa painting) If only I were truly that And what’s your real name! Or I listened to my grand mama, beautiful! Yes, actually I am! He LUBITSCHEK They would have reminded me painted me not only with his eyes, Dearest lady from some distant lands, “Grandson, searching for true love but with his love! Trust we’ll hold your secret Can be no fun.” RONAI (enters) In our hands. LORI Violetta! ALEXANDRA If I read my own astrology, ALEXANDRA Dearest, charming friends of mine, It would tell us Mr. Ronai! Your carnival fairy comes, I’ll not offend. We were not meant to be. then disappears. You must now The truth I’ll soon reveal. But I’d rather trust what’s in my heart forget your Violetta! It’s no longer possible that I pretend And let our love now start. RONAI To hold what I conceal. BOTH No! I want you to stay forever! Stay Lorelei, lovely magic maid, Where the gypsy fiddle’s playing with me and I’ll not ask you who you Old love songs Stars shine bright are or where you’re from. I love you! When you’re near to me. With rhythmic swaying, ALEXANDRA Through the night See the fiery Czardas And if I do tell you everything about me? Kiss me tenderly. By the gypsy clan? RONAI Love is true; There the women’s blood like fire Then I’ll only hold you in my arms, We’ll make it through eternity. Captivates each man’s desire. give you a thousand kisses and be LORI That’s the way of Hungary happy that I have you now! If I listened to my family In my homeland. Or I took advise from old Auntie, Scene Track 11 Passion burns as the body yearns. I would have been told ALL (enter with Lubitschek) Gypsy hearts are longing That love’s complex, Hollaho, hollaho, the lovers are here. For your ardent kisses. Keep your virtue pure, Yes, the Fairy Queen This is where I long to be, Refrain from sex. Homeland of my destiny. ❦ 18 ❦ It’s where passion finds a way RONAI (holding Alexandra) finished! Again! (stomps off) To every soul. That is out of the question! We love HUBERT Catch the fever that surrounds. each other and we are staying Viktor, please believe me. This is all Love is calling, fiddles sound. together! just a big misunderstanding! Hungary is the home I know. LORI (storms in) ALEXANDRA Warm is the night, Ah, now it’s all revealed! Both men Leave us alone. I need no defense Moon shining bright are in love with her! No, I won’t let attorney! With every kiss, heavenly bliss. this happen! Viktor...! You’re making HUBERT Couples depart, desire in the heart. an ass of yourself! As you wish. (He exits.) Soon the game of love will start. HUBERT RONAI ALEXANDRA, LUBITSCHEK But Lori! 50,000 marks? Warm the night... LORI ALEXANDRA Viktor, you trust me, don’t you? ALEXANDRA And you! You’re an even bigger ass! You’ve been seeing her under cover! RONAI (unsure) If a man wants just one lover, Did Hubert give you money? Very soon he will discover Under many covers! RONAI ALEXANDRA Maiden’s blood flows wildly in Yes, Viktor. But... I must wait until Hungary, If this is a joke, then I’ll tell you truthfully, I don’t get it! tomorrow morning before I can Fuels the passion and desire LORI explain everything. With seduction, light the fire! It’s not a joke! You shouldn’t let RONAI This is how you win the hearts of yourself be lead around by the Why not tonight? Hungary. intrigues of this woman! ALEXANDRA Don’t resist every ardent kiss. RONAI Is it too much to ask this from a Take me in your arms and tell me I must ask you to take another tone! person who loves you very much? That you love me. This “woman” is my future bride! Could we ever be happy if we didn’t I can hear it night and day HUBERT (astounded) trust each other implicitly? Say to me in every way, What? Finale Track 13 And the world around us LORI Will be lost from view. RONAI (Music is heard.) Bride? Don’t make me laugh! And I shouldn’t ask, then? Take my hand and hold it tight. only a half-hour ago, Hubert was on Kiss me till the morning’s light. ALEXANDRA his knees before her in full engage- No! If you do I’ll love you too! ment! He proposed and gave the Warm the night... (All celebrate.) RONAI lady a huge stack of 1000-mark Not who you are? Dialogue Track 12 banknotes. I’ll prove it. There’s her ALEXANDRA HUBERT (enters) purse! (opens the purse, pulls out No! Your Highness, it really is high time the money) Well? Is it true or not? RONAI (Silence.) There! Hubert, we are that we get to the engagement! Where you come from? ❦ 19 ❦ ALEXANDRA Everyday a new sensation. understand, sir! No! Love is new. DUKE RONAI Don’t be bothered by resentment. I don’t understand either, Countess. Nor why you took money from Give your heart (The guests are astonished.) Hubert, nor where these rings, these And find contentment ALEXANDRA diamonds, these pearls come from? With another lover I really don’t know what you want (In a fury, he rips them from her That may share your view. from me. I’m a painter’s model, just neck as guests assemble.) ALL like all the other ladies! ALEXANDRA Don’t resist every ardent kiss. DUKE (ironically) Viktor!! Take me in your arms But the resemblance to my fiancée RONAI And give me kisses... is so uncanny. ALEXANDRA (wildly) I no longer need to ask!! Now I know RONAI (aside) Yes, I want to dance and play. what all this secretiveness means! His fiancée? Nothing more I have to say. It’s all a comedy. Yes, I now can see Who will be my cavalier HUBERT through it. For just one day? But Ottokar, what’s gotten into you? ALEXANDRA (furious) Kiss my hand and hold me tight, This can’t be Alexandra Maria… How dare you! It’s over between us! Kiss me ‘til the morning’s light. DUKE (coldly) I will tell you how I got the money. If you do, I’ll love you too. Let the lady tell me herself. And I will tell you who I am. Warm is the night... ALEXANDRA I am… No! I will tell you who I really ALL Bravo, Duke! You have not deceived am, Mr. Ronai! Now is the time, yes... yourself. I am Countess Alexandra, I’m just the Queen of Carnival, Love is advancing, your fiancée! (All are shocked.) I A dream in a lost fantasy. Join in the dancing. wanted to have my portrait painted, Come, my friends, and you shall see, Cast out your sorrow. as... an engagement gift. Don’t think of tomorrow. Yes, Viktor’s lover is now free. DUKE Yes, hold me quite near. Yes, free! Ah! And in such cheerful company! Kiss me, my dear. ALL (rushing forward) Bohemians, of, course. What would you fear? Tra-la-la! The Fairy Queen is free. Love brings you here. ALEXANDRA She will pick the one Please don’t resist. In any other company it wouldn’t She wants to see dance for us! Give me a kiss... work. The young artist painted me as The men are waiting for a chance DUKE OTTOKAR (enters) a Carnival adventurer. (to Ronai, who For new romance. Forgive me, but I’m looking for my stands brokenly before the portrait) Please, will you dance for us? cousin Hubert von Mützelburg! (He Would you have the kindness to ALEXANDRA sees Alexandra.) Alexandra Maria?… show us the painting, Mr.... Mr… It is time that I discover ALEXANDRA (with a forced laugh) RONAI (quietly) Someone new to be my lover. “Alexandra Maria!?” I don’t Ronai. ❦ 20 ❦ not for sale. DUKE I’ll buy the painting! RONAI The painting is not for sale! DUKE I offer you 100,000 marks! RONAI (shocked) A hundred thousand marks? ALEXANDRA (aside, to Ronai) Here is your chance to win your prize. Duke Ottokar (Mark Snyder) confronts For such a work, to take it is wise. Ronai destroys his painting. Alexandra. RONAI (sadly, looking at her) I had before now dies away ALEXANDRA I can’t depart with such great art. And lives no more. Ronai! And now the painting The Carnival now ends. RONAI Stands next to me. A heartless masquerade As Your Highness wishes! (opens the By the touch of my brush Has played its last charade. curtain and reveals the painting) Love awakened. (Ronai hurries off.) DUKE (examines it) For now it’s all a faint memory ALEXANDRA (aside) Of a promise that now is forsaken. Truthfully, well done! However, it’s a Oh, dearest Heavenly Father, Good sir, you ask bit free in its concept! (to Ronai) Won’t you help a friend? To tear from my view Almost frivolous! Don’t you agree, Tell my one true love All the passion my heart has to offer. Alexandra? We’ll meet again... ALEXANDRA The dreams I will forget ALL Your comments, my dear Duke, are With such regret. Heavenly God, we pray, probably correct. There’s something I will forget the dreams of Carnival. Love will find a way. in it that seems rather strange. (He tears the painting from its They will find peace some day. The image has frivolity. The brush frame, throws it into the fireplace. strokes in the painting freely range The Duke angrily storms out.) END ACT II and show indecency. Dreadful how ALEXANDRA Entr’acte Track 14 the painting’s artless style lacks the Mr. Ronai, what have you done? tact. It would be clear to anyone RONAI, then ALL ACT III who knows, that’s not the way a I will tell you what I’ve done... The Hotel Regina. countess acts. I brought the end of every happiness, Dialogue Track 15 RONAI (bitterly) The painted dreams (Alexandra and the Duke arrive.) You have covered all the flaws in it Of every happiness. DUKE (taking her coat) quite well and I’ve decided that it’s The one true love May I assist you, Your Highness? ❦ 21 ❦ ALEXANDRA Head to toe, God took a week MEREDITT Certainly, Duke. And I can even now To offer man His work of art. Eve was nude, boy, what a sight. assure you, that the whole thing Every curve is so well-served Then she said, “please take a bite!” was nothing more than a poorly- To tease man’s aching heart. Adam took the fruit, the juice, considered Carnival prank, which The nectar sweet did stimulate. Men must discover the seven charms you must credit to my temperament. Then man saw, with lust and awe Of every lover held in his arms. MEREDITT (enters, greets and bows What made them procreate. They bring temptation to all men to the Duke) Ah, Highness, finally! BOTH Both young and old. I’m terribly curious to meet your Men must discover... (They dance, In Eden’s garden God made Eve new bride… (Mereditt sees her, is then go off.) Both wild and bold. shocked, but kisses Alexandra’s hand Eyes first are calling anyway as the Duke goes off to Scene Track 17 And then the lips, greet his guests.) My God! The MEREDITT (comes in again with Lori) The wrist enthralling Cannon Countess!! My most But Miss Lori, calm yourself! And four, the hips. heartfelt congratulations. Well, you LORI Then five and six and seven really had me going. Actually, I How can I calm myself, when Hubert Are the best of all—the charms. should be quite furious. tells me it’s over forever and always! I’ll whisper them to you ALEXANDRA MEREDITT Within your arms. (He laughs at this.) Don’t be angry, Count. I can’t help it! Ah, forever and always! That’s In the past three weeks I have been God was saving his best work common with lovers! It only lasts a a Violetta, Carnival Fairy, “Miss When Eve was first created. half-hour! Springtime” and your very own There is proof in Eve’s great charms. LORI “Cannon Countess.” It’s been a When Eve and man first dated. Do you really believe that, Count? delightful fantasy for a widow who’s HUBERT (enters, angrily) soon to be attached to another This time it’s different! I am so furious diplomatic arrangement. But I’m with you, Lori, for all the lies and afraid for the first time I may have deceit. I want nothing to do with the female sex! discovered true love and lost it all. LORI (to Mereditt) Duet Track 16 Do you hear? ALEXANDRA, MEREDITT MEREDITT Back when time stood still Such a fetching kitten as yourself? And God was playing with Creation, You’ll always find ten others who That’s when Adam first saw Eve would happily be interested in you! And thought of procreation. HUBERT By the stars ethereal, Alexandra and Mereditt consider Sadly, you’re right! Men are so Using best material, Adam and Eve. incorrigible! The more often ❦ 22 ❦ we fool ourselves, the more in love Dance for the hearts HUBERT we become! Who with passion adore you... But, Viktor… MEREDITT Dance for the men RONAI You need only courage and Who are kneeling before you. You were so kind and allowed me to everything will work out in the end! Don’t be a wallflower have 50,000 marks… (reaches into Flat on your feet. his briefcase) Two little eyes Kick up your heels HUBERT That are shining and bold, When the music repeats. Now he’s giving me money! No, Blushing, they twinkle like starlight. Dance, Kitten... Viktor, I can’t take it! The money Laugh away cares Dance and the whole world wasn’t from me, but... from some- Of the young and the old. Will always be yours. one else. Can’t take them out of your sight. Dance, Kitten... (They dance. RONAI HUBERT Lori and the Count go off. Hubert What? Hubert, the truth! Who gave Two lovely legs, remains behind.) me the money? They keep spinning and dancing. HUBERT Your heart beats fast in a 3/4 time. Dialogue Track 18 The money… the money was from Then you start waltzing, (Viktor enters quietly.) her! Romance is advancing. HUBERT RONAI The Night is truly divine. Viktor… you here?! From her? Girlie, honey, kitten, kitten, RONAI (entering) HUBERT What more can I say...? I’ve come to say my farewells! I’m Yes! The Countess. She wanted to Let’s dance and let’s play. leaving tomorrow morning and who make good with you… to make up ALL THREE knows how long it will be before we for the prize money lost from the Dance, Kitten, please dance. see one another again. Count Mereditt at The Green Paintbrush. RONAI (deeply moved) She did this for me! And I behaved so disgracefully... HUBERT I don’t believe the Countess will want to talk to you. You should leave. ALEXANDRA (enters) Hubert! (sees Ronai) Oh! RONAI Forgive me, I only wanted to… ALEXANDRA Count Mereditt, Lori and Hubert cavort. We have nothing more to say to one ❦ 23 ❦ another! into you? ALEXANDRA HUBERT (quietly to Ronai) HUBERT Certainly, Duke. Mr. Ronai appeared Now you see! Oh well, I guess not. Please continue. here suddenly and wanted to speak RONAI (aside) ALEXANDRA with me! Understandably, I denied But I must have her forgiveness! “I would like to acknowledge your this request in a few lines that I Please, speak for me. Tell her apology…” dictated to Mr. von Mützelburg. everything. I’ll be in the front room HUBERT He’s waiting in the front room! waiting for your answer. (goes) I have a great ending to that sen- DUKE (goes to the doorway, calls) HUBERT tence: “for when one is in love, one May I ask you to come in, Mr. Ronai! Well, this man is not to be deterred! is always ready to forgive.” ALEXANDRA (calmly to Ronai, who He wants to fall to his knees and ALEXANDRA has entered) Please, Mr. Ronai, read beg for forgiveness. Are you crazy? “When one is in my reply aloud to the Duke. ALEXANDRA love?” RONAI (opens the letter) That would no longer serve any pur- HUBERT “My dearest, darling Viktor! I ac- pose. I’d sooner bite out my own Should I write that to him? knowledge your apology, for when tongue than to say another word to Mr. Ronai! ALEXANDRA (fiercely) one is in love, one is always ready to HUBERT No! forgive…” Write him a few lines. HUBERT ALEXANDRA (furious) ALEXANDRA Very well. Then let’s leave it at: Hubert? Mr. Ronai will have no words from (reading) “Most honorable Sir! I RONAI (reading further) my hand! would like to acknowledge your “And I did love you and still love HUBERT apology…” you. So, don’t lose patience. Love Well then, dictate them to me. ALEXANDRA will find a way.” I will write. “I must, however, ask that in the ALEXANDRA ALEXANDRA future, you never again follow me.” Hubert!! I did not dictate that All right. That way this whole thing HUBERT to you!! will finally be put to rest. Stop, stop! Not too fast. I’ll finish HUBERT (to the Duke) HUBERT with “Sincerely.” You can just sign it Yes, I wrote it. But the content is So, what should I write? here. (quickly) Now quickly into the true. It’s all true. She loves him, he ALEXANDRA (dictating) envelope. (addresses it) “Mr. Viktor loves her, and they are meant to be “Most honorable Sir…”! Ronai!” (goes to the door. The Duke together. Pardon and forgive me, HUBERT enters.) dear Ottokar! “Most honorable Sir”! It sounds like DUKE (has heard some of the ALEXANDRA a death notice. I will write to him: previous scene) “Mr. Viktor Ronai?” Those were not my words. DUKE (looks at Alexandra) “My dearest, darling Viktor.” May I know what you’ve written to But my dearest, trust me… those ALEXANDRA Mr. Ronai? Out of the question! What’s gotten words are in your thoughts and in ❦ 24 ❦ your heart. engagement of the Countess Will I see you some day? ALEXANDRA Alexandra Maria... to the painter ALEXANDRA, then BOTH Duke, you think…? Viktor Ronai. Send my kisses to my love, DUKE RONAI By the stars that shine above. I think... it would be best if the Alexandra! God, please hear me, Carnival Fairy forgave her painter. ALEXANDRA Bring him near me. (calls the others in) Ladies and Viktor! (The guests happily applaud.) Answer the promise she made. Gentlemen, in the true spirit of ALL Carnival, a deception has been Finale Track 19 REFRAIN played. I’ve invited you all here RONAI Fairy Queen... (All ends happily.) tonight not for my own wedding Fairy Queen of Carnival, engagement, but to announce the Come back to me, I pray... END ACT THREE / END CD II

2012 OHIO LIGHT OPERA ORCHESTRA VIOLIN: Chang Ji, concermaster, Daniel Bolton, Julianna Byess, Lara Ciaccio, Felicia Rojas, Jonathan Vestal, Ewa Woo VIOLA: Noah Dresser, Dilek Engin CELLO: Yoo-Jung Chang, Kenneth Peterson DOUBLE BASS: Andrew Hawks FLUTE: Stephanie Castongia, Teresa Villalobos OBOE: Joe Basel, Laura Smith CLARINET: Brittany Mathis, Spencer Prewitt BASSOON: Ali Eaton, Eric Louie HORN: Pamela Kiesling, Alice Shoemaker TRUMPET: Aaron Boyle, Etienne Massicotte TROMBONE: David Ball, Dave Day PERCUSSION: Scotty Horey, Thomas Roblee HARP: Rebecca Lynn Simpson

Steven Byess John Schuesselin Conductor Orchestra Personnel Manager

❦ 25 ❦ THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER Liberal arts colleges are, in the words of President Grant H. Cornwell, ”an American invention.” A recent study measured the leading 50 colleges in three critical areas— educating scientists, educating leaders in international Grant H. Cornwell affairs, and educating business executives. Wooster is PRESIDENT one of only 21 colleges to earn a place in all three groups. It is also a school which is dedicated to the performing arts with strong programs in theater and music. Since establishing The Ohio Light Opera in 1979, Wooster has upheld the goals of providing young musicians with an opportunity to perform in a professional setting and of entertaining audiences with operettas which charmed the publics of an earlier era.

❦ 26 ❦ The Carnival Fairy CD ONE (49:00) 1 Overture (6:18) 4 Dialogue: “This would be the night” (2:25) 2 ACT I. Carnival Music: “La-la-la” (2:45) 5 Duet: “Honorable Sir!” (4:40) 3 Scene: “Hello!...If you lack imagination” (4:32) 6 Dialogue: “Good evening, Mr. Ronai” (3:05) 4 Dialogue: “Mr. Lubitschek!” (1:13) 7 Song: “When love’s forbidden” (3:30) 5 Scene: “Carnival, a fairy tale of dreams” (3:28) 8 Dialogue: “Count Mereditt” (1:44) 6 Dialogue: “Lori won’t listen at all” (1:15) 9 Duet: “If I listened to my Grandpapa” (3:17) 7 Duet: “I confess!” (3:49) 10 Melodrama: “He’ll be surprised” (1:12) 8 Dialogue: “Oh, Hubert!” (1:28) 11 Ensemble: “Hol-la-ho” (5:08) 9 Duet: “I promise...When the night” (5:30) 12 Dialogue: “Your Highness!” (1:41) 10 Scene: “No, don’t bother...At first” (4:05) 13 Finale: “I shouldn’t ask then...I am” (10:10) 11 Finale: “Hubert, has my car?” (14:30) 14 Entr’acte (2:00) 15 ACT III. Dialogue: “May I assist you?” (1:02) CD TWO (65:19) 16 Song: “Back when time stood still” (3:30) 1 Entr’acte (2:15) 17 Scene: “But Miss Lori...Two little eyes” (3:43) 2 ACT II. Ensemble: “Life is divine” (2:23) 18 Dialogue: “Viktor, you here?” (4:35) 3 Dialogue: “Viktor...When love” (6:25) 19 Finale: “Fairy Queen of Carnival” (2:21) The Ohio Light Opera 2012 Festival Staff Steven Daigle Artistic Director Julie Wright Associate Artistic Director Laura Neill Executive Director Steven Byess Conductor Adrienne Jones Costume Design Charlene Gross Scenic Design Krystal Kennel Lighting Design Katie Humphrey Production Stage Manager Steven A. Daigle Julie Wright Costa J. Lynn Thompson Brian Rudell Artistic Director Associate Artistic Director Music Director Sound Design Acknowledgements: Grant Cornwell This production President, College of Wooster was partially OHIO LIGHT OPERA underwritten by BOARD OF DIRECTORS: gifts from Michael Michael Miller, Chair and Nan Miller Steven Daigle, Vice Chair and Mary Alice Laurie Stickelmaier, Treasurer Streeter. Grant Cornwell Peg Cornwell Laura Neill John Ostendorf Frank Knorr Executive Director Recording Producer John D. Ong Albany’s Ohio Light Opera CD series also includes Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Sara Patton Penzance, Patience, Ruddigore, The Mikado, The Gondoliers, The Sorcerer, The John Schambach Yeomen of the Guard and The Grand Duke; Victor Herbert’s The Fortune Teller, Mlle. Dee Vaidya Modiste, Naughty Marietta, The Red Mill, Sweethearts; Jerome Kern’s The Cabaret Richard Seaman Girl, Kálmán’s Der Zigeunerprimas and Autumn Maneuvers; DeKoven’s Robin Hood; Laura Neill, Executive Director Offenbach’s Bluebeard and The Brigands, Friml’s The Vagabond King and The Firefly, Nan Miller, Secretary Romberg’s Maytime, Zeller’s The Birdseller and Sousa’s El Capitan. ❦ 27 ❦

KÁLMÁN KÁLMÁNThe Carnival Fairy 2-CD Set Emmerich Kálmán’s delightful 1917 three-act operetta score, in a new English performance translation by Steven Daigle, was produced at the 2012 Ohio Light Opera with its Broadway

title

Miss Springtime. It was recorded live with the OLO cast, chorus and orchestra, The CarnivalFairy Steven Byess conducting. John Ostendorf, recording producer. TROY 1391-92

Emmerich Kálmán

Tara Sperry Grant Knox Jacob Allen Natalie Ballenger The Ohio Light OperaThe Ohio Light Princess Alexandra Viktor Ronai Hubert Lori

The OhioLightOpera

Steven Byess Steven Daigle Stephen Faulk Christopher Cobbett Mark Snyder

Conductor Stage Director Count Mereditt Lubitschek Duke Ottokar TROY1391-92

Albany Records U.S. CD ONE (49:00) Act I The Carnival Fairy The Carnival CD TWO 915 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207 (65:19) Acts II & III Tel: 518-436-8814 FAX:518-436-0643 John Ostendorf, RECORDING PRODUCER Albany Records U.K. George Faddoul, RECORDING ENGINEER Box 137 Kendal, Cumbria LA80XD Warren Bendler, RECORDING ENGINEER Tel: 01539 824008 Matt Dilyard, PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY Warning: Copyright subsists in all recordings issued under the label © 2012 Albany Records Katie Humphrey, ASSISTANT TO THE PRODUCER Made in the USA.www.albanyrecords.com Brian Rudell, ASSISTANT TO THE PRODUCER KÁLMÁN