THE GIPSY PRINCESS (Die Csárdásfürstin) Music by Emmerich Kalman, Book & lyrics by Leo Stein and Béla Jenbach Johann Strauss Theater, Vienna - 17 November, 1915 New AmsterdamTheatre, Broadway - 24 September, 1917 (Book and lyrics by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton as The Riviera Girl) - (78 perfs) Prince of Wales Theatre, London - 20 May, 1921: Transferred to Strand Theatre (Book and lyrics by Arthur Miller and Arthur Stanley) Still one of the most popular operettas on the Continent, and recently filmed with Anna Moffo in the title role. This is the story of the love of a famous cabaret star for a Prince who cannot marry a commoner. His mother, Princess Karen, eventually saves the day with a last minute disclosure about her own past. The score includes some of the most delightful operetta melodies ever written, and there are several good comedy parts. STORY Act 1 The Orpheum Cabaret Theatre, Konigradz The year 1905 The patrons of the Orpheum Cabaret Theatre are celebrating the final appearance of the singing star, Sylva Varescu, before her departure for a tour of America. Prince Peter von Leydersheim has become deeply attached to Sylva, and she to him. He is under pressure from his family to abandon this unsuitable liaison and return to Vienna but he cannot face the prospect of losing Sylva. As time is running out he has to make a decision. This becomes even more urgent when he is told to report to his regiment in Vienna. Peter makes up his mind and before leaving for Vienna he signs a document binding him to marry Sylva within three months. Her trip to America is to be cancelled. But unknown to Peter his parents have arranged a marriage between him and his cousin, Countess Anastasia (Stasi). Sylva is shown an announcement of Peter's engagement, assumes that he has cheated her and decides to fulfil her American contract accompanied by Boni as her manager. Act 2 Prince Leppold von Leydersheim residence near Vienna. Prince Leopold and Princess Karen (Peter's parents) are holding a soiree with the intention of announcing that Peter and Stasi are now formally engaged. Peter and Stasi enjoy an affectionate brother and sister relationship but Peter and Sylva's three months still have 24 hours to run and Peter, who has never understood why Sylva deserted him is still desperately hoping for news from America. Two unexpected guests arrive - Sylva and Boni. She has cut short her tour and persuaded Boni to bring her to tonight's reception, pretending that they are now man and wife. Peter is livid with Boni for his apparent treachery; Peter and Sylva are still in love and Stasi and Boni fall for each other at first glance. Peter persuades Sylva that she should divorce Boni but Sylva needs to be accepted as Sylva Varescu, cabaret singer, not the ex-wife of a Count whom she hasn't actually married. She storms out, dragging Boni with her. Act 3 The foyer of the Holzberg Hotel, Vienna, later the same night. Sylva and Boni return to their hotel, but also staying there is an older friend Count Feri and the dancing girls from the Orpheum. A solution to this complicated series of events presents itself from an unexpected quarter and the classic happy ending ensues. THE CAST: Sylva Varescu - A singing star Kisch - A Notary Prince Leopold von Leydersheim Prince Karen von Leydersheim - his wife
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