Csar and Carpenter

This musical comedy about the incognito-traveling Tsar Peter the Great is one of the most charming operas of its time. Director Martin G. Berger, known for his cross-genre productions combining opera, operetta, and musicals, brings Lortzing's masterpiece back with fresh dialogue and a contemporary perspective on the stage. The musical direction will be taken by Antonello Manacorda, one of the most distinguished conductors of historically informed performance practice.

Lortzing's comedy classic – wit, humanity, and musical lightness

Tsar and Carpenter is one of the most successful operas of the 19th century – with rousing melodies such as the famous "Clog Dance" and arias such as "Farewell, my Flemish girl." Two men named Peter meet in a Dutch shipyard – one a Russian Tsar on an educational journey, the other a Flemish deserter. The resulting confusion makes for turbulent entertainment, but Lortzing also infuses his characters with a depth of everyday life: from the self-confident Marie to the slightly caricatured Mayor van Bett.

Creative Team – Opera Meets Modern Musical Theater

With this production, two experienced artists bring a breath of fresh air to Lortzing's opera:


Conductor Antonello Manacorda: As the former chief conductor of the Kammerakademie Potsdam, he brings in-depth knowledge of historical stylistics and a keen sense of comedic timing.


Director Martin G. Berger: Known in Berlin as an innovative crossover artist between opera, operetta, and musical, he ensures a contemporary operatic experience with revised dialogue and a modern production concept.


Cast Highlight: Nadja Mchantaf

A special highlight is the participation of Nadja Mchantaf, who is well known to Berlin opera fans from the Komische Oper. The versatile soprano impresses not only with her vocals, but also with her expressive dancing and acting – qualities she also brings to the famous clog dance.


Featuring:
Artur Garbas, Philipp Kapeller, Patrick Zielke / Tobias Kehrer, Nadja Mchantaf, and others.

• 2 hours 45 minutes / One interval
  
• Sung in German with German and English surtitles