In its previous visits to Israel, the Budapest State Operetta Theater was such a great success that it required adding shows each time. This time, the operetta wizards from Budapest return with the biggest hit of the Viennese operetta world: Johann Strauss Jr.’s “The Bat” – centered on a change of identity, a Russian prince, a cheeky maid, and most importantly – the Hungarian Csárdás and the Viennese waltz in a celebration as bubbly as a firework.
Over 150 people participate in this production: soloists, dancers, a choir and, for the first time since the first visit to Israel, the house orchestra of the Hungarian Operetta House, conducted by Laszlo Maclary / Daniel Somogyi-Tot.
The Israeli audience is in for a surprise when the international production of the most important theater in the field of operetta will feature Israeli actor and comedian Israel Katorza in the role of Frosh, the drunken jailer. According to tradition, this role is given to a local comedian well-known in the country hosting the production. Katorza accepted the challenge and even began working on the role with the artistic team of the Hungarian Operetta House.
The role of the drunken jailer is one of the central roles in the operetta. Although not a large one, the role is very significant and includes funny and witty monologues that contain critical and stinging messages.
The show is in German, with subtitles in Hebrew and English.
