Strauss’s light-hearted opera tells the story of mistaken identities, flirtation and mischief at a nobleman’s party. The cast is led by Martin Muir (Eisenstein), Liz Williams (Rosalinda), Anna Murgatroyd (Adele), and Julie van Haperen (Orlofsky), and the production is directed by Jan Haylock.
Eisenstein, about to be sent to prison, secretly decides instead to attend one of Prince Orlofsky’s magnificent parties, famous for flowing champagne and beautiful dancing girls. Thinking that her husband has gone to prison, Rosalinda’s former lover, Alfred, decides to visit her for the evening, until they’re interrupted by the prison governor who is looking for Eisenstein! Meanwhile, her maid, Adele, also plans to attend the ball, but pretends to her mistress that she must visit her sick aunt. At the ball, the guests are in various guises, and champagne celebrations lead to frivolous flirting and fun.
The morning after the night before…
Eisenstein hands himself over to the prison governor, where confusion mounts. When Rosalinda and the other guests arrive, the mayhem from the night before comes to light, leading to some sheepish realisations…