'Emmerich Kálmán's operetta 'Marinka' has a fascinating production history that spans continents and decades. Originally premiering on Broadway in 1945, the operetta is a retelling of the Mayerling Incident with a happier ending. Despite its initial success, 'Marinka' took a long journey before making its European debut in 2016. This article explores the operetta's production history, highlighting its Broadway origins, Australian premiere, and eventual
European staging.
Broadway Beginnings
'When 'Marinka' first premiered on Broadway in 1945, it was produced by Jules J. Leventhal and Harry Howard, with financial backing from Lee Shubert and Warner Bros. The operetta was staged by Hassard Short and choreographed by Albertina Rasch, featuring set designs by Howard Bay and costume designs by Mary Grant. The production opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on July 18, 1945, and later moved to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on October 1, 1945. It ran until December 8, 1945, completing a total of 165 performances.
The opening night cast included notable performers such as Joan Roberts as Marinka and Harry Stockwell as Rudolph. The operetta's Broadway run was marked by a change in cast, with radio personality Jerry Wayne replacing Stockwell as Rudolph and actress Edith Fellows taking over the role of Marinka from Roberts. Despite these changes, the operetta maintained its charm and continued to draw audiences.
Australian Premiere
Following its Broadway success, 'Marinka' made its way to Australia, where it premiered in 1948 at the Tivoli Theatre in Melbourne. This marked the operetta's first international production, introducing Australian audiences to Kálmán's unique blend of Viennese operetta and Hungarian folk music. The Australian premiere was a significant milestone in the operetta's history, showcasing its appeal beyond American shores.
The production in Melbourne retained much of the original Broadway charm, with its engaging storyline and memorable songs like "Only One Touch of Vienna" and "Sigh by Night." The Australian audience embraced the operetta, further solidifying its place in the world of musical theater.
European Debut
Remarkably, 'Marinka' did not make its European debut until 2016, more than 70 years after its Broadway premiere. The European premiere took place at the Komische Oper Berlin in the form of a staged concert. Conducted by Koen Schoots and staged by Barrie Kosky, this production featured a new orchestration by Ferdinand von Seebach, as the original orchestrations were lost.
The Berlin production focused on the main four soloists: Marinka, Rudolph, Bratfisch, and Countess Landovska, with Marinka and Bratfisch narrating the story. This minimalist approach allowed the operetta's core elements to shine, captivating a new generation of European audiences. The long-awaited European premiere of 'Marinka' was a testament to the operetta's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences across different cultures and eras.
