Bright and Bubbly: Operetta from Vienna and Beyond 1

with Betsy Schwarm

Operetta is the lighter side of opera: engaging singing, spoken dialog, a happy ending, and some familiar tunes along the way! It’s a form of musical theatre that, after capturing the attention of European audiences, came to inspire early Broadway musicals. Music historian Betsy Schwarm brings her user-friendly insights with musical selections, video excerpts, and behind the scenes perspectives, sharing her love of the art form.

Viennese Sparkle

Take the swirl of a Strauss waltz and add a festive spirit and a case of champagne – the result is Viennese operetta!  No tragic endings. No fiendish bad guys. Just couples successfully working out their differences against a largely light-hearted background and a fair measure of social dancing. Music historian Betsy Schwarm brings us into the worlds of Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow. The champagne flows and romance grows with a danceable happy ending!

In the series:
July 25: Viennese Sparkle
Aug. 1: The Wit of Paris and London
Aug. 8: The Bright Lights of Broadway