Die Fledermaus Libretto

ex Kalmus Edition with Director’s Amendments

OVERTURE

ACT I

Music No. 1 “Introduction”

ALFREDDarling dove that flew away, leaving love behind youDove I kissed that happy day, let my song remind you

Charming little dove of mine, come now to your window,Full of longing I repine, for my RosalindaFull of longing I repine, for my Rosalinda

(ENTER ADELE)

ADELE What in the world is that caterwauling? … Can’t one have a moment’s peace to think? What? Rosalinda? That is no street singer, but an admirer – and not even one of mine, but of my mistress! Too bad. I should have liked to have taken a closer look. Maybe I still can!

(ADELE GOES OFF INTO THE BUSHES)(ROSALINDA ENTERS FROM HOUSE)

ROSALINDA It is he! Alfred, who adored me so much four years ago when I was still free. I recognised him right away by his voice and his presumption. Only a tenor could be so presumptuous, and only a presumptuous man sings like a tenor! He dares to come here, right in front of my husband’s house, and compromise me with his high ‘A’! Ah, I must not listen! A walk in the garden should calm my beating heart!

(ROSALINDA EXIST THROUGH BUSHES)(ADELE ENTERS – PULLS LETTER FROM HER APRON)

(Music recommences at Allegro Bar 35 - Adele sings letter song)

ADELEHahaha…….ah

This is from my sister Ida who’s a dancer in balletWe, today, are at a villa where the goings on are gay.

Prince Orlofsky, he rich bon vivant, plans for this evening, here, a gala ballIf you borrow from your mistress one of her finest Paris dresses

And make an elegant appearance, I could invite you with assurance.Take the night off she’ll excuse you;

How this party will amuse you! You will find it entertaining! So my sister is explaining!

I am sure I would have fun, the party will be gay, I know;But t’is sooner said than done.

What would I give it I could go, if I could go? Oh!Could I be that happy dove, floating over clouds above filled with light and wonder,

Singing through the bright blue yonder winging, what a trick has nature playedMaking me a chamber maid, making me a chamber maid

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(ROSALINDA ENTERS NOT SEEING ADELE)

ADELE Ah, there is my mistress! Now out with my story. Make it short, but heartbreaking! (Loud, wailing) Oh my lady, my poor aunt is sooooh sick!

ROSALINDA (To herself) I’m sure Alfred thinks I am unfaithful, perhaps even in love with someone else, and here I have only just been married.

ADELE (Even more tearfully). My Lady, my lady, my poor aunt is so sick!

ROSALINDA Who is sick?

ADELE My aunt.

ROSALINDA Your aunt?

ADELE Yes, my aunt.

ROSALINDA (Impatiently) Well, am I supposed to make her well?

ADELE I wouldn’t ask you to do that, even if you could.

ROSALINDA Well then?

ADELE (Again sobbing) But it is the duty of a good niece to visit her aunt and to enquire, “How are you? How do you feel? Still so jolly and bright?”

ROSALINDA Your poor, sick aunt?

ADELE So I beg you, in consideration of my dutiful love, let me have the evening off?

ROSALINDA (Firmly) Impossible!

ADELE (Begging) My Lady!

ROSALINDA I said, impossible! Have you forgotten that my husband has to start his five-day term in prison tonight? It’s been postponed three times already; but tonight, he has to turn himself in, or they will drag him in.

ADELE But I still don’t know why the Master has to go to jail?

ROSALINDA Oh, he hit a government tax official with a riding crop and called him a frozen cod fish. That was after he had already been told twice to apologise for a previous fishy encounter with the same official, and had refused on principal to do so! It would not be so bad, but he kept appealing, until the judge decided enough was enough and passed his case over to the prison Director.

ADELE Maybe if he appeals to the prison Director, he’ll let him go free.

ROSALINDA Well, in any case, you shall not go free this evening; I cannot spare you for one hour.

ADELE You can’t? Oh, my poor, poor aunt! So, I will never be allowed to see you again on this earth? Such an aunt as this one, such an aunt!

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Music No. 1a.

ADELE ROSALINDAAh my mistress has said no Today you may not goThough you’re longing for me so Although she’s longing for you soMy poor Aunt will be so sorry Oh what a fearful storyWhen she hears my tearful story I’m sure your aunt is sorryWhat a trick has nature played Yes, a trick has nature playedMaking me a chamber maid/ Making you a chamber maid

(ADELE EXITS INTO THE HOUSE WEEPING)

ROSALINDA What a happy aunt, to have such a loving niece! But I simply cannot spare her, since I dare not stay here alone while my husband must go to prison. And he has to go now, because he has infuriated the judges so against him.

(Her glance falls on Alfred, who appears through the garden)

Good heavens, Alfred!

ALFRED And why not “My Alfred”, and fly to me with open arms? (Sings Bella figlia del amore... Rigoletto)

ROSALINDA Sir, I am a married woman!

ALFRED I’ll overlook that.

ROSALINDA But I won’t! You must say goodbye!

ALFRED I just got here, why should I say goodbye?

ROSALINDA Dear heaven. What if my husband comes in?

ALFRED I’d overlook that too. Anyway, he won’t come in. He’s going to jail.

ROSALINDA I beg you; I implore you, go, hence!

ALFRED All right. I shall…hence, go. But on one condition, that is that I be allowed to return while your husband is behind bars. Promise and I’ll go instantly. (theatrical). Swear it!

ROSALINDA So be it…I swear!

ALFRED Very well then…I go., (stands still).

ROSALIND (Impatiently) But you’re not going at all, you’re still standing around. Good-bye!

ALFRED (singing) Tis not goodbye! Soon I shall return! Arrivederci!! Auf Wiedersehen!! Adios!! Au revoir; Fare thee well – See Ya!!

(ALFRED EXITS INTO BUSHES)

ROSALINDA (alone & frantic) Oh, if only he would stop singing. His conversation I can resist, but that high ‘B’ just melts my resistance. Oh, Destiny, Destiny, how can you do

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this to me? In the same instant, you take my husband from me, and you show me this vision from the past. (Listens to noises off) There, my husband is coming. He’s quarrelling with his lawyer, Dr Blind. That’s a bad sign.

(EISENSTEIN ENTERS FOLLOWED BY DR BLIND)

Music No. 2

EISENSTEINNo one but an awful lawyer could destroy his own employer,

It’s enough to drive one mad.

ROSALINDAAre you mad?

BLINDHe is mad

EISENSTEINThanks to my good friends defending,

Jail is where the case is endingAnd it’s all his fault, the cad.

BLIND Who’s a cad?

ROSALINDAHe’s a Cad?A guilty cad?

EISENSTEINYes it is all his fault the cad!

ROSALINDAThe lawyer? You?

BLINDThat is not rue

EISENSTEINI’ll tell you who.

ROSALINDAThen tell me do! Explain my dear

EISENSTEINNow you shall hear

BLINDNo, first I must make myself clear

EISENSTEINMake yourself scarce, clear out of here,

I’ve had enough of your defending

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ROSALINDACome now behave why do you rave

EISENSTEINHe spits out words like cackling birds

BLINDHe lost his head, the things he said!

EISENSTEINYou stuttered over every word

BLINDSuch shouting I have never heard

EISENSTEINYou cackled like a fool

BLINDHow can you be so cruel?

EISENSTEINYou are a ghastly ghoul

BLINDYou’re really inhumane!

You scream as if you were insane You bluster like a hurricane

ROSALINDAYou’d better save your breath,you’ll shout yourself to deathIt would be best to disappear or we will see a scandal here

EISENSTEINYes she is right, just disappear

or there will be scandal here!

ROSALINDAIt would be best to disappear,it would be best to disappear

You really must not shout and curse,the prison sentence could be worseIt’s just five days if you surrender

and after all five days it’s not so long to wait

EISENSTEINJust five days you say?

Now it is eight! Three days, my sentence was extendedThanks to my good friend Doctor Blind,

This very day I’m due in jail they’ll come and get me if I fail

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ROSALINDAThat does look bad,no use pretending.

EISENSTEIN Indeed

ROSALINDAAh poor dear this very day,alas you have to go away?

How can I bear this separation?How give you consolation?

ROSALINDA So now they have increased your sentence? Instead of five days---eight days!

EISENSTEIN An increase I owe to the bleating Dr Blind.

BLIND D…d…don’t p…provoke m…me. You enraged the j…judges all by yourself and c…c…confused me as well. But I won’t hold it against you, and the next time you go to jail, I’ll represent you again in sp…spite of it.

EISENSTEIN I’m sure you will!

BLIND If ever you have any m..more t.trouble with that official, don’t hesitate. The next time I am almost sure to get you off.

EISENSTEIN By thunder --- Good-bye!

BLIND Your servant.

(BLIND EXITS TO HOUSE)

EISENSTEIN He calls himself a lawyer! Such blooming nonsense never grew in any courtyard of law.

ROSALINDA My poor Gabriel! Eight long days – and even tonight!

EISENSTEIN Even this very night. (Sings) We have to say farewell!

ROSALINDA How could they condemn a tenor? The Barbarians!

EISENSTEIN They wanted to keep me there, tenor voice and all, this afternoon. I had to beg them for a few hours grace, so I could dine with you. (Rings the bell) I can’t really blame them; they ‘invited’ me three times, and I didn’t show up.

(ADELE ENTERS FROM HOUSE – EISENSTEIN DOES NOT SEE AND IS SURPRISED WHEN ADELE SPEAKS)

ADELE (in a sobbing voice) You rang?

EISENSTEIN What’s the meaning of this? You’ve been crying. Surely not because of me Adele?

ADELE My poor aunt!

ROSALINDA The poor woman is deathly ill.

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EISENSTEIN Deathly ill? I just saw her galloping a donkey through the vineyard.

ADELE (Aside) Oh damn!

ROSALINDA (looking at Adele) So, that’s how sick she is!

ADELE Who knows? Maybe the doctor prescribed the donkey?

EISENSTEIN Hurry off now and order us up a magnificent dinner. Have them send us something that’s good and expensive. (Adele starts to go) Another thing! (To Rosalinda) My dear, could you please dig out the oldest, dirtiest, most ragged and miserable clothes you can find for me.

ADELE Is your lordship going begging?

EISENSTEIN No. But I don’t want to be begged of by the company I shall be keeping tonight. But first, the dinner! I shall at least do well for myself at my family table.

(ADELE EXITS – FALKE ENTERS FROM HOUSE. THEY PASS)

FALKE Ah, there he is! (Kisses Rosalinda’s hand) My compliments most beautiful of women! You have my heartfelt congratulations that for eight days you will be liberated from this tyrant! (Shakes Eisenstein’s hand) But to you also my felicitations. That increase of three extra days in prison is an extraordinary accomplishment – you really should thank your judges!

ROSALINDA But, Dr Falke!

EISENSTEIN Oh, let him alone. A wounded man does not worry about a little mockery. Go to the cellar my darling. The venomous tongue must be dampened, lest it grow too sharp.

ROSALINDA No more bad jokes please, dear Doctor. We must try to console our poor delinquent.

(ROSALINDA EXITS INTO HOUSE)

FALKE (calling after Rosalinda) Certainly, dear lady – to console him … (Softly to Eisenstein) …. and distract him is exactly why I came. I came to take you to a princely soirée with an enchanting ballerina from the opera!

EISENSTEIN Are you mad? I have to start my prison term in one hour.

FALKE You can start tomorrow morning, bright and early. Tonight, you will go with me to the villa of Orlofsky, the young Russian Prince who has been throwing away fabulous sums of money. Ladies you will find there, ladies, I tell you, a veritable garden in bloom, from camellias to blushing violets.

EISENSTEIN The Devil you say, my mouth is watering! But the Prince…..

FALKE …..has asked me, most urgently, to invite some playboys of my acquaintance.

EISENSTEIN Well, I am flattered that I’m considered such a desirable companion!

FALKE And always ready with a wild idea. For example, that time years ago when we went to the Masked Ball……

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EISENSTEIN I, as a butterfly, and you, as a bat! You still remember?

FALKE (meaningfully) It has been difficult to forget!

EISENSTEIN Oh, that was a capital joke!

FALKE Oh, sure, for the butterfly, but not for the bat!

EISENSTEIN The judge who presided today was there too. He had to hold his fat stomach from laughing. And today he asked me my name and gave me eight days in jail. Oh, these terrible good friends! (takes out chiming pocket watch from his pocket and makes it ring). (Cue Orch. Triangle)

FALKE Ah,there, I see, is the famous “mouse-trap’!

EISENSTEIN What do you mean?

FALKE They say that you use that charming little watch as bait to court all the, ah.. ‘Ladies of the Camellias’. You promise it to each one…

EISENSTEIN But I still haven’t given it to anyone! (laughs).

FALKE You rogue, you’ll be tossing out this bait again tonight; I’m counting on you, then, to come to the party?

Music No. 3

FALKECome with me to the dance, it may be your last chance!

Soon enough you’ll be ins prison, sighing under supervision; Why not serve a little time with our brotherhood of wine?

Think of ballet dancers’ charms, dazzling dresses,Pretty faces to enchant you with their graces,

Dancing polkas in your arms;Friend, believe me come what may; you’ll be gay!

The music, the dancing, the glittering hall,Champagne and romancing you’ll have them all,

With laughter and drinking the hours will sail,With no time for thinking of days in jail.

What good is your health in a prison cell?Enjoy it tonight…..you might as well.

Don’t you agree.

EISENSTEINI do agree!

FALKEDon’t you agree?

EISENSTEINI do agree.

What if my wife finds out about it?

FALKEKiss her goodbye and she’ll never doubt it;

Tell her; “Farewell, my little kitten!”

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EISENSTEINNo, No, my Mouse-kin is the word,

My little mouse-kin!

FALKELittle mouse-kin.

BOTH:Then the cat himself will go sneaking from my house.

FALKEAnd while she is sleeping well, You’ll be far away from you cell,To celebrate one last farewell,With me at the heavenly ball.

You’ll go disguised as a Frenchman,Marquis Renard shall be your name

No one will ever be wise.You will?

EISENSTEINIt would be a pleasure.

FALKEYou must!

EISENSTEINBut still…..

FALKECome, come, I prescribe it as a health protective measure!

EISENSTEINI’m convinced, you are right, it’s only for one night!

FALKEWhat good is your health in a prison cell,?

EISENSTEINWhat is good is my health in a prison cell

I might just as well enjoy myself.

FALKEYou’ll come then?

EISENSTEINHow can I resist?I’ll be at your side.

FALKEForget your conscience,Let me be your guide.

EISENSTEINAh, what joys the night will bring ;Pleasure for the god’s to savour;

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Beauties eager for our favour;All night long we’ll laugh and sing!

Lalalalalalala Lalalalalalala Beauties vying for our favour;

All night long we’ll laugh and sing.Lalalalalalalala…….la La-La!.

(ROSALINDA ENTERS CARRYING WINE AND OLD CLOTHES)

ROSALINDA What is all this? What are you doing Gentlemen?

FALKE Well, you see I did cheer him up.

EISENSTEIN Yes, he consoled me.

FALKE A difficult task but I managed it. What’s that you’ve brought us dear lady?

ROSALINDA Some feathers for our jail bird. Is this the proper hat?

EISENSTEIN What’s that for? Do you want me to be taken for a thief?

ROSALINDA But you asked me to…..

FALKE And that dust rag? If you wear that, the warden will lock you up in solitary confinement for twenty years.

ROSALINDA Good heavens!

FALKE Dear lady …. (kisses Rosalinda’s hand)

ROSALINDA Are you leaving us so soon?

FALKE It is getting late, and I want to announce his new house guest to the Prison Director, Colonel Frank. I shall be waiting for you there, friend Eisenstein. Auf Wiedersehen!

(FALKE EXITS)

EISENSTEIN He’s absolutely right. It is time for me to think of dressing.

ROSALINDA Dressing?....For jail?

EISENSTEIN Certainly. Falke says it’s more than likely I shall meet some of the most exclusive society there: -

It seems I must be dressedTo look my very bestHigh hat, black tails, white tie – Then quickly, I must fly!

(EISENSTEIN EXITS INTO HOUSE)

ROSALINDA He’s like a different man! He seems delighted to go to prison. If only I knew what to do with the other one? I did promise to receive him, and once one has given one’s word, one must keep it, no matter how difficult it is.

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(ADELE ENTERS WITH TURKEY ON A PLATTER WITH TRIMMINGS).

ADELE My Lady?

ROSALINDA Put it on the table. (Thinks - ignoring Adele) So I must accept it?

ADELE I have already paid for it.

ROSALINDA (Ignoring Adele) I must keep my word. I will receive him – and then I will dismiss him immediately! (Loud – to Adele) Ah, how is your sick old aunt feeling after her donkey excursion?

ADELE Well, er…. so. so. Under the circumstances…..

ROSALINDA This sick old aunt couldn’t be a healthy young man, could it?

ADELE My lady, I beg you….

ROSALINDA No matter, aunt or young man – I give you the evening free, and no questions asked.

ADELE Do you mean it, my lady? But before you absolutely refused?

ROSALINDA Well, I was in a bad mood before, but I am feeling better now.

ADELE Since the Master is going to jail?

ROSALINDA Little miss busybody?

ADELE I beg your pardon my lady! (curtseys)

(ADELE GOES TO EXIT – RETURNS WITH TURKEY – BEFORE SHE IS ABLE TO EXIT EISENSTEIN ENTERS – THEY DANCE AS THEY PASS)

EISENSTEIN How do I look?

ROSALINDA And this elegant evening attire is for the benefit of your fellow prisoners?

EISENSTEIN So they see I am worthy to join them! Those rogues shall not look down their noses at us.

ROSALINDA I don’t believe it!

EISENSTEIN The time has come. Farewell!

ROSALINDA What? Without dinner?

ADELE But what shall I do with the turkey?

ROSALINDA Take it to your poor sick aunt.

ADELE Oh, a thousand thanks my lady. This will make her very happy – the poor old woman has such a weak stomach.

(ADELE EXITS)

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EISENSTEIN Rosalinda, my darling Rosalinda (they embrace).

ROSALINDA My poor Gabriel.

EISENSTEIN May sweet dreams entrance you, while I am spending a restless wakeful night! In such a situation one must choose to die of pain, or to tear oneself away quickly.

(ROSLINDA KEEPS EMBRACING EISNSTEIN

We must tear ourselves away!

ROSALINDA Impossible! (sobs)

(ROSLINDA KEEPS EMBRACING EISNSTEIN)(ADELE RETURNS FOR THE TURKEY)(During song Eisenstein removes his dressing gown and leaves it on the back of a chair)

Music No. 4 Trio

ROSALINDASo I must say farewell, dear, and try to carry on!

How can I ever tell, dear, my sadness while you’re gone?How can I face tomorrow, so empty without you?

Eight dreadful days of sorrow, Oh Lord what shall I do?With coffee you would meet me, as soon as I woke up,now no one’s there to greet me; except your empty cup;

without you, dear to share it ‘twill be a bitter brew!However shall I bear it, Ah!

EISENSTEINOh Lord, what shall I do!

ALLWhatever shall I do?

Alas, alas, what shall I do?My lonely heart will break in two,

such agony I never knew, whatever shall I do!

ROSALINDALa – lalala,,, At noon your favourite dishes,

the cook and I will plan: How empty soup and fish is, and meat without a man!

Alone as day is ending; weeping the whole night through,my grief will be heartrending

ALLAlas, alas what shall I do, alone,

my heart will break in two,such agony I never knew, whatever shall I do?

ROSALINDALa – lalala….

EISENSTEINWhat good is so much crying?

My head feels like a kite.

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ROSALINDAMy head is spinning, flying

ADELEMy head is not so light!

EISENSTEINFarewell, try not to grieve so.

ROSALINDA & ADELEFarewell try not to grieve, my heart will go with you

ADELEAnd now you have to go!

I know you hate to leave so,

ALLbut now you have to go!

Oh Lord, what shall I do, whatever shall I do?Alas, alas, what shall I do?

Alone? My heart will break in two,such agony I never knew, whatever shall I do?

ROSALINDALa – lalala,,,………. la-La!

(AT CONCLUSION ADELE AND EISENSTEIN EXITS INTO HOUSE. ROSALINDA WATCHES THEM GO)

ROSALINDA He cries and dances at the same time. How giddy men are! He will be consoled soon enough, while I, poor woman, shall mourn for him, all alone and abandoned until… until the other one arrives! No the other must not arrive! I’ll go lock all the doors. Yes I’ll lock them all. But I cannot, I should not. I gave my word, and if one gives ones word, one must keep it, or surely one is lost. (Listens) Someone’s coming. It is he. (sits) He’ll try to console me, but he’s very mistaken there. I shall remain un-consoled!

(ALFREDO ENTERS THROUGH GARDEN)

ALFRED He’s gone to jail?

ROSALINDA He’s gone to jail.

ALFRED (Sees wine and fruit on table) I see you have already prepared to receive me with the proper hospitality. Thank you for your..er.. thoughtfulness.

ROSALINDA Do make yourself at home.

ALFRED You are right. (puts on Eisenstein’s dressing gown) Here are the accoutrements of the master of the house: dressing gown, and nightcap. Well, in a moment I shall be dreaming myself back into my lost paradise. I shall pretend I am your husband.

ROSALINDA Good Lord! What are you doing?

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ALFRED Making myself comfortable. (Eats & drinks). Have you no appetite mia cara moglie?

ROSALINDA I beg you, I implore you, leave me now! I received you, to keep my word. Now it’s enough! You wouldn’t want to compromise one whom you once held so dear, with this little joke?

ALFRED I certainly do not want to compromise you – but I also do not want to leave your wine untasted. So come! Let us drink, and let us sing. (tries to kiss her) (Bella figlia etc)

ROSALINDA (interrupts) No, no singing! Just don’t sing! Please!

ALFRED Why not? You used to be rather fond of my singing!

ROSALINDA Exactly. Too fond!

ALFRED Let us sing anew!

Music No. 5 Finale Act I.

ALFREDDrink my darling, come what may, Wine will chase the clouds away.When your lovely eyes are clear,

All your doubts will disappear.You will see true love’s a dream,

Making fools of us;Faithfulness a foolish scheme;

Why make such a fuss?All illusion proves in vain,

Love’s young dream becomes regret,Have some wine to ease the pain,

Help you to forget!Time has flown, we’re alone,

Think of all the joys we’ve known;Time has flown, we’re alone;Recall the joys we’ve known.Kling, kling, sing, sing, sing,Drink with me, sing with me,

lalalalalala

ROSALINDAAh….., What can I do?

Time has flown, we’re alone;I recall the joys we’ve known.Time has flown, we’re alone,Recall the joys we’ve known!

He is not departing- and yet he can’t stay;Ah, what am I starting?

ALFRED and ROSLINDA:Drink up! / no,no,no,no / drink up! / No no, no, no / Ah!

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ALFREDDrink my dearest come and drink,

It will clear your head to think!Do not let it get you down,

Lovely girls should never frown!Though your love may not be true,

That I can forgive;Promise you will love anew,

And I will believe.Love’s a dream that flies away,

Still, illusion has it’s charms;Live for love one joyous day – come into my arms.

ROSALINDA & ALFREDWe’re alone, time has flown,

Think of all the joys we’ve known.We’re alone, alone, recall the joys we’ve known.

ROSALINDA (spoken, over music) I hear voices; someone’s talking below! Good heavens! (to Alfred) Listen someone’s coming through the house.

ALFRED I’ll overlook everything!

ROSALINDA Heavens, what a situation!

(FRANK ENTERS FROM HOUSE UNANNOUNCED. ROSALINDA IS STARTLED)

FRANK; Do not be alarmed, dear lady, I am prison director Frank and I could not deny myself the pleasure of offering your somewhat reluctant husband my personal escort to his new bar-room – ah, prison, that is.

ROSALINDA My husband is already…

ALFREDDrink my darling, come and drink,

It will help you not to think!

ROSALINDA We are not alone!

ALFRED I’m overlooking that!

ALFREDKling,kling, sing, sing, sing,Drink with me, sing with me!

FRANK My carriage is waiting out front. I hope you do not intend to resist any further.

ALFREDNo! Time has flown, we’re alone;Drink to all the joys we’ve known!

FRANK Ha ha ha! Quite right! I see, you look on the, ah, humorous side of the matter.

ALFRED(Offering a glass to Frank)

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Drink with me, sing with me,Sing, sing, sing.

FRANK Don’t mind if I do, ha ha ha.

BOTH:Time has flown, come and gone,Drink to all the joys we’ve known!Time has flown, come and gone,We’ll drink to joys we’ve known.

FRANKI’d gladly stay here and pass the time,

But your time is up, Herr von Eisenstein!

ROSALINDAWhat shall I do, he can’t decline.

ALFREDI am not Herr von Eisenstein,

We were only rehearsing.

FRANKYou are not he?

ALFREDNo, damn it, no!

FRANKCome down sir, no use cursing!

ROSALINDAWhy can’t you see? You must be he.

FRANKNow who is who, and what is true?

ROSALINDAMy friend, how shocking would

It be to find a stranger here with me;Indeed a dreadful shame!I am insulted and put out

That you could ever have a doubt;And question my good name.

And the situation here seems to me to be quite clear?With me so late in tète-à-tète at ease alone with me?

In dressing gown, just settling down,Who but my husband could it be?

ALFRED & FRANKWith her so late in tète-à-tète

ALFRED, FRANK & ROSALINDA:Alone with me at ease, in dressing gown,

Just settling down; of course the man my (her) husband is!

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ROSALINDAWho else would sit here like a king,

Relaxing for the evening, His nightcap on his head?

That seeing such domestic bliss,You think that something is amiss,

I never would have said.See the yawns he can’t suppress,

All he thinks about is rest.A tète-à-tète with me so late has lost its magic spells.

What gay roué is so blasé – it is my husband, no-one else!

ALFRED & FRANK:A tète-à-tète with her so late

ALFRED, FRANK & ROSALINDAHas lost its charms, you see.

What gay roué is so blasé – of course it must my (her) husband be!

FRANKNo no, my mind is quite at ease,

All doubt I shall dismiss.It’s getting late, so if you please,

Give him the farewell kiss!

ROSALINDAThe farewell kiss?

ALFREDThe farewell kiss!

FRANK The farewell kiss!

ROSALINDAWell then, since you insist – I guess I will be kissed!

ALFREDTo prison you dismiss me

To take your worthy husband’s place;For him now, you must kiss me;

Dear wife, give me one last embrace!

FRANKCome sir, I really cannot wait,I have a most important date.We must be on our way, weMust at last be on our way!

(FRANK EXITS WITH ALFRED BEHIND BUT ALFRED DOES NOT EXIT).

ROSALINDAMy husband I know will be there as you.

ALFREDWith this kind of luck I’ll be sharing his cell.

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ROSALINDAWon’t breathe a word!

ALFREDDon’t be absurd!

ROSALINDAHe must not find out!

ALFREDHow can you doubt!

(FRANK RETURNS FOR ALFRED)

FRANKQuickly let us go, my carriage waits below;

Come on, come on, let’s go!My aviary’s very grand, it’s airy as can be.

The birds that fly there, by command, receive their lodging free.You are invited, sir, to be, I hope, your honoured guest.We honour you deservedly, you must accept it willingly,

I hope you’ll be my willing guest surrender to arrest!

ALFREDAll right I will, accept my doom!

ROSALINDAYou will be still!

ALFREDAs in the tomb.

FRANKCome on, be quick!

ALFREDIt seems I must surrender; come kiss me and be tender!

ROSALINDAEnough, my dear, we’ve kissed at length!

ALFREDJust one more kiss, to give me strength!

ROSALINDANo, no, enough, you must be starting!

ALFREDA kiss will console me in parting!

FRANKI hate to interrupt your fun,but I’ve a duty to be done.

Enough, the time has come!

18

ALLHis (my) aviary’s very grand, it’s airy as can be.

The birds that fly there, by command receive their lodging free.You are invited there to be a justly honoured guest.

I beg you to go willingly; I’m sorry, it is best!

ROSALINDAYes, yes, sorry, I’m sorry it is best.

I’m sorry, it’s best! It must be my destiny, That I shall dine alone this evening, yes,

Must resign myself,I know, there’s no help for it,

I must admit, no use in tears and grieving,Come, be strong, it must, it must be so!

Ah, it must be so! Ah!

(ALFRED IT TAKEN AWAY BY FRANK; THE CURTAIN FALLS.)

19

ACT II

Music No. 6 Scene.

CHORUS:What a night! How divine! What a lavish celebration!

It will case a sensation!All the best in food and wine,

everywhere the lights and jewels gleam;the room is like a glowing dream,

in the spell of this enchanting night our joyous hearts take flight!We’ll take flight with delight,

hearts are light and take flight in delight!What a night, how sublime,what a lavish celebration!

It will cause a sensation, what a marvellous good time!How quickly happy hours are past;

the time tonight is flying fast;the joys that royalty commands are champagne,

song and dance, a romantic game of chance!The joys that royalty commands, are champagne,

song and dance, a romantic game of chance!Song and dance! And romance!

IDA I just can’t get over my surprise at finding you here!

ADELE And I can’t get over your surprise.

IDA Have you got a friend here?

ADELE Not yet, but I am sure I could find one soon enough, if I wanted to! (looks at near-by men)

IDA For heaven’s sake. Tell me who invited you?

ADELE Who? It seems my little sister is teasing me. Or maybe you wrote the letter in your sleep?

IDA I? I wrote a letter to you?

ADELE Yes, absolutely begging me to get the evening off, get all dressed up and come to the Orlofsky Villa.

IDA I don’t know a thing about it. Someone’s playing a joke on you.

ADELE Woe to the Joker. I’ve made our old aunt deathly ill, given her donkey rides and a turkey, and bathed myself in tears to boot, just to get the evening off. I’ve raided my lady’s wardrobe and come flying here like the fairy Queen, to be greeted by my own sister with a mystery.

IDA But, please… What are you thinking of--- a chambermaid in such society?

ADELE Well, I can’t see that you have much to brag about, dancing in the last row!

20

IDA I beg your pardon! Second quadrille, first figure!

ADELE My compliments!

IDA Still, I must admit, you don’t look so bad…and you did get in…nobody here knows you. I’ll try it! I’ll present you as an actress.

ADELE As an actress? Well, they might accept me for that.

IDA Play your part well or we will both be lost!

ADELE I’ll give it all I’ve got. (they move away a little and observe as Orlofsky and Falke come down).

(ENTER ORLOFSY & FALKE)

ORFLOFSKY In the forty years of my life I seem to have lived eighty. Doctor, everything bores me. I am unable to laugh. (sighing) My millions are my misfortune.

FALKE Your misfortune is one I would gladly share your highness.

ORFLOFSKY So you really believe we shall laugh this evening?

FALKE I hope so, your highness. You gave me a free hand, and I have planned for a rather dramatic little comedy.

ORFLOFSKY And what is the title of your little play?

FALKE I call it “The Vengeance of the Bat”!

ORFLOFSKY The title is sufficiently original!

(THEY MOVE AWAY TALKING)

IDA The pretty one is the Prince.

ADELE So pretty, and a Prince?

FALKE (Noticing Adele – to himself) Ah there she is; my little note worked. (To Orlofsky indicating Adele) There is a member of my little cast of characters already.

ORFLOFSKY The soubrette I presume?

IDA (both curtsey) Your Highness, May I introduce my sister Olga?

ORFLOFSKY You are, of course, an actress also?

IDA And what an actress! I need hardly mention her theatrical accomplishments.

ORFLOFSKY Allow me to imagine them. I adore actresses, especially the rising young talents. Are you one of those?

ADELE People have often said of my performances, “How true to life”.

(LAUGHTER BEHIND AS CHORUS START TO EXIT)

21

FALKE Ah, already our guests are off to amuse themselves with gambling. Would your Highness care to join them?

ORFLOFSKY No. I might win, and that is so boring. But you, dear ladies, would perhaps do me the favour of risking a few thousand? (hands Adele a wallet) Would you try my luck with the contents of this?

ADELE With pleasure your Highness! But what if we are unlucky?

ORFLOFSKY Then I should have the good luck of seeing you again soon.

IDA (leaving, to Adele) How do you like the Russian Prince?

ADELE He amuses me very much with his boredom!

(IDA & ADELE EXIT)

ORFLOFSKY Now, Doctor, kindly enlighten me as to your intentions.

FALKE Please allow me the pleasure of the surprise, your Highness. So far only one small fact: Our friend Olga is the chambermaid of our hero!

(EISENSTEIN ENTERS)

IVAN: (announces) Vashe Vysochestvo Markiz Renard pribyl! Marquis de Renard!

ORFLOFSKY Vpustite yego! (to Falke) Who is this Marquis de Renard!? I don’t know him!

FALKE That is our hero, himself!

EISENSTEIN Ah, there you are! You see, I came as quickly as I could. And the ladies? The charming ladies you promised me?

FALKE They are all here, there in the gaming room.

EISENSTEIN There? (starts to go)

ORFLOFSKY (stopping Eisenstein.) Are you going to do us the honour of supping with us Marquis? Allow me to welcome you.

EISENSTEIN (to Falke) Who’s this?

FALKE Prince Alexander ORLOFSKY, our host. Your highness, my friend, the Marquis de Renard.

EISENSTEIN He?...He’s the…?

ORFLOFSKY Marquis, what surprises you?

EISENSTEIN Forgive me your Highness, but the Russians I’ve met before were much larger, and, er…voluminous!

ORFLOFSKY One question, Marquis? (Clicks fingers for Ivan, who hovers with two glasses and a bottle of wine on a silver tray).

EISENSTEIN By all means.

22

ORFLOFSKY I beg of you to answer as a man of honour---sincerely---openheartedly---unreservedly.

EISENSTEIN Of – of course

ORFLOFSKY Will you drink a glass of wine with me?

EISENSTEIN That is all?

ORFLOFSKY Will you drink?

EISENSTEIN With the greatest of pleasure.

ORFLOFSKY Ivan! The wine! (he serves the wine) (To Eisenstein) Be seated! Be seated!

(WOMEN LAUGH OFF STAGE - EISENSTEIN IS MORE INTERESTED IN THAT)

ORLOFSKY Ahum!

EISENSTEIN I am seated.

ORFLOFSKY Drink!

EISENSTEIN At your service.

ORFLOFSKY Now listen to what I say! There are certain of my national peculiarities with which you should be acquainted.

Music No 7: Couplets.

ORFLOFSKYI always ask my company, to be quite fancy free,

Amuse themselves as well they may, oft ‘til the light of dayFor boredom I have found no cure in what they say and do;

But what as host I must endure I won’t endure from you.Don’t ever frown or let me see you yawn or be a bore;Or quite unceremoniously, I’ll throw you out the door,Or quite unceremoniously, I’ll throw you out the door.And if you’d care to question why this is what I do,

Why this is what I do?It is my own obsession, chacun à son gout!It is my own obsession, chacun à son gout!

EISENSTEIN Your humble servant! (to Falke aside) A real Russian, pushing everyone around. If everyone who’s bored gets thrown out, I’m sure the guests would always be amused!

ORFLOFSKYWhen with a friend I drink some wine and match him glass for glass,

He’d better have a thirst like mine; I think it rude to pass,While glasses clink and multiply, let no-one call my bluff;

I have no patience when they cry, “no more, I’ve had enough!”Whoever asks to drink with me must drink the bottle down,

Or quite unceremoniously, I’ll break it on his crown,Or quite unceremoniously, I’ll break it on his crown.And if you’d care to question why this is what I do?

23

It is my own obsession, chacun à son gout!It is my own obsession, chacun à son gout!

EISENSTEIN How charming. If one stops drinking, a bottle is thrown at his head!...Those are national peculiarities that should certainly be observed!.

ORFLOFSKY Do you enjoy the wine?

EISENSTEIN Excellent!

ORFLOFSKY Unfortunately, I do not! Some time ago such stimulants worked well, but I’ve no longer a taste for it. My appetite is gone, even for love!

EISENSTEIN Oh, for love I have always a very healthy appetite!

ORFLOFSKY Ah, to be young once more! I want to laugh, to laugh from the heart, and that I can seldom do. But Dr Falke has promised me that we shall laugh at you tonight!

EISENSTEIN At me?

ORFLOFSKY Yes, at you. Is it not true Doctor that we are going to laugh at the Marquis?

FALKE I hope so, your Highness.

(ADELE & IDA ENTER FROM GAMING ROOM OVER DIALOGUE)

EISENSTEIN How could you laugh at me? (Looks at himself)

ADELE (handing Orlofsky the empty wallet) My Prince, I return your wallet. It is empty.

IDA The clever croupier took it all from us.

EISENSTEIN (seeing Adele) God in Heaven!!

ORFLOFSKY What has happened?

EISENSTEIN But that’s…(to himself) .. that’s my chambermaid!

ADELE (softly to Ida) My Master!

IDA What are you saying?

EISENSTEIN (to himself) And in my wife’s evening dress!

ADELE (to Ida) And his poor wife thinks he’s languishing in jail!

FALKE (introducing) Fraülein Olga, Fraülein Ida….The Marquis de Renard!

EISENSTEIN Your name is Fraülein Olga?

ORFLOFSKY What a devilishly astonished face you make! Falke is right, I am going to laugh. It seems that Fraülein Olga has made quite an impression on you, Marquis?

EISENSTEIN Oh no. How so? I only thought… a resemblance? (to Adele) Fraülein Olga, how long have you been Fraülein Olga?

24

ADELE My dear Marquis. Have you always been Marquis de Renard?

(CHORUS BEGIN TO ENTER IN GROUPS CHATTING BEGIN TO TAKE ATTENTION OF THE INTERPLAY)

FALKE Brava! Very good.

EISENSTEIN No. The resemblance is striking!

ADELE To whom Marquis?…To whom?

EISENSTEIN To..to …my chambermaid!

ORLOFSKY & FALKE Ha! Ha! Ha! (Chorus laugh)

ADELE I? Resemble a chambermaid? How impertinent! Do you mean to insult me?

EISENSTEIN Calm yourself! The chambermaid whom you resemble is a most unusually charming specimen, the Princess of chambermaids.

ADELE Ah, that’s a little different.

ORFLOFSKY Better and better! Ha, Ha, Ha.

Music No. 8 Ensemble & Couplets – Adele’s Laughing Song

ORFLOFSKYMy friends, do pay attention, here is a funny jest!

FALKEThis timing is perfection!

CHORUSGo on, go on, tell us the rest!

ORFLOFSKYLook at this charming lady,

The dear Marquis took her for, no,It’s too enchanting!

IDAFor what then?

FALKETry and guess!

ADELEA chambermaid, and here as guest!

Imagine, what a jest!

CHORUSHahahaha! Hahahaha!

Hahaha, Hahaha, that is a funny jest,Hahahaha Hahahaha!

25

ORFLOFSKYMy friend, you are so ungallant,

My faith in you is shaken! How ungallant!

FALKEHow ungallant!

CHORUSHow ungallant!

EISENSTEINShe looks just like this debutante!

CHORUSHow ungallant, how ungallant!,

EISENSTEINI must have been mistaken!

ADELEMy dear Marquis, you ought to be

A man more worldly-wise, And I may suggest, you will find it best

To learn to use your eyes!My hand has a delicate grace, ah,

This foot could not be commonplace, ah,My speech, you can’t disparage, my waist and queenly carriage

Could never be displayed by any chambermaid,Could never be paraded by a chambermaid!

The situation you’ll confess, Is very funny, nonetheless!

How delightful, Hahaha,You amuse me Hahaha,For my laughter, Hahaha,

Do excuse me, Hahahahahaha,

ADELE & CHORUSHow delightful,Hahaha,You amuse me, hahaha

Hahahahahahahahahaha!

ADELEHa, Ha, How comic a Marquis can be!

See this profile, I Grecian style,That nature gave to me;

From my well-bred nose, to my noble toes,Behold my pedigree!

Through your lorgnette look up and down, ah,Where else have you seen such a gown, ah,

I think that your confusion must come from love’s delusion;Some pretty serving girl has set your heart a-whirl;Some pretty serving girl has set your heart a-whirl!

26

Now everywhere you look, it seems,You see your chambermaid, in dreams!

How delightful, Hahaha,You amuse me Hahaha,For my laughter, Hahaha,

Do excuse me, Hahahahahaha,

ADELE & CHORUSHow delightful, Hahaha, you amuse me, hahaha,

Hahahahahahahahahaha!

ADELEHa, Ha, How comic a Marquis can be! Ah……………..!

ADELE & CHORUSHahahahahaha!

EISENSTEIN By blazes, that’s about enough laughing! I beg your pardon Fraülein Olga; ladies and gentlemen; please be generous.

ADELE Since you beg my pardon, I shall forgive you. But in the future, be more cautious with beautiful chambermaids!

ORLOFSY: My friends. Shall we have some more entertainment?

CHORUS: Yes!

ORFLOFSKY Then behold…..!

BALLET & DANCE BEGIN.

(ENTER FRANK)

IVAN: Vashe Vysochestve Kavaler Chagran Pribyl! Chevalier Chargrin!

ORFLOFSKY Vpustite Yego! (softly to Falke) Chevalier Chargrin?

FALKE The prison director, Frank!

ORFLOFSKY I see!

FALKE Welcome, in the name of His Highness.

ORFLOFSKY Welcome Chevalier!

FRANK Forgive me for being so late your Highness. (business of a mixture of ‘shake hands’ and bowing – gauche)

ORFLOFSKY No formalities, my guests are here as at home.

FALKE Chevalier Chargrin…Marquis de Renard!

ORFLOFSKY Then you are compatriots?

27

EISENSTEIN (to Falke) Damn! What if he speaks French to me?

FRANK J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur le Marquis.

EISENSTEIN J’ai l’honneur….serviteur. (shake hands, bow; … aside) If he goes on, this will be tragic.

FRANK Vous etés aussi Francais?

EISENSTEIN Aussi, aussi aussi (aside) Oh see if I can get away!

FRANK Je suis charmé de trouver un compatriot.

EISENSTEIN (to Falke) Please make him leave this Frenchman in peace. I’ve said all that I know!

FALKE Please gentlemen, let us speak English!

IDA Oh yes, we’re used to more informal conversations.

EISENSTEIN Though I am naturally reluctant to speak to a compatriot in English, I shall yield to the ladies’ petition.

FRANK (to Falke) Thank you for the title Chevalier. I couldn’t very well appear in such a gathering as a prison Director!

FALKE Have you gentlemen met before?

EISENSTEIN No I am sorry to say.

FRANK I rarely show myself at parties. I prefer ‘closed circles’ you might say. In future though, I hope…

EISENSTEIN I will see a great deal of you!

FRANK And cement our friendship!

FALKE Quite certainly!

EISENSTEIN (to Falke) A charming chap, this Chevalier! (moves away R)

FRANK (ditto)This Marquis impresses me! (moves away L)

FALKE (to Orlofsky) What will the gentlemen say, when they get to know each other better?

ORFLOFSKY Very good!

IDA When can we eat? I’m starving!

DANCERS Me too! Me Too!

FALKE Ladies and gentlemen, please be patient a moment more. We are still expecting a lady,

ALL: A lady?

28

FALKE Yes a lady. A real lady! But I must ask you all to be discreet.

ALL: Why?

FALKE She happens to be a lady of the highest aristocratic circles, a Hungarian Countess, who would like to join our amusing soirée, but we must allow her certain considerations.

EISENSTEIN Poor woman, she must be married!

FALKE Yes indeed, and to a man so jealous he’d like to carry her around in his pocket. He is away for a few days, but still the lady wishes to take the precaution in visiting such a lively party, of wearing a mask!

ALL: A mask?

FALKE Yes, and I gave her my word that she can count on our complete discretion. Therefore, I must ask you to swear to me that you will all respect her right to be masked!

ALL: We promise!

EISENSTEIN Masked? How interesting!

IDA She’s probably very ugly!

ADELE She has probably nothing but her beautiful eyes!

ORFLOFSKY My guests, please feel free to eat – and drink – to your hearts content!

(CHORUS EXIT – ALL:- EXCITED GOSSIP ABOUT MASKED LADY)

(to Falke) Do you hear them? Already the gossip goes in full swing.

(ORLOFSKY EXITS)

FALKE Chevalier, here is a vacant place (refers to Ida).

FRANK (taking Ida’s arm) I hope I shall not be refused if I apply for such an attractive position?

IDA It all depends. Are you eligible for higher office?

(FRANK & IDA EXIT)

ADELE (to Eisenstein, who still` stares at her) My dear Marquis, how long must I serve you as an object of curiosity?

EISENSTEIN (to himself) The resemblance is terrifying! She is really a lot prettier than Adele. I must try an experiment. (dangles the watch in front of Adele’s eyes)

(CUE: ORCHESTRA TRIANGLE: WATCH CHIME)

ADELE Oh what an adorable little watch!

29

EISENSTEIN (offering his arm) It really is a lady’s watch. Perhaps tonight I shall have the pleasure of presenting it to an adorable actress?

(ADELE & EISENSTEIN EXIT)

FALKE (alone) The rascal! If only once his experiment would fail, and his bait stolen to hang from some little creature’s belt!

(ROSALINDA ENTERS WARILY-UNMASKED)

FALKE Ah, here comes his wife! (advancing to meet at bottom of steps) I am so sorry dear lady…..

ROSALINDA Ah, it’s you Doctor. So is it really true, what you wrote me?

FALKE A glance into the dining room should convince you. There you will see how your husband is paying his debt to society.

ROSALINDA A girl on his arm! How dreadful!! But who is that girl? No, I am not mistaken. That is Adele, my own chambermaid!

FALKE It is Adele, your own chambermaid!

ROSALINDA The Great Seducer! And how she is showing off, in my dress! Just you wait little lady, I’ll prescribe you a cure for your old aunt!

FALKE Only not this evening dear lady! I beg you.

ROSALINDA Don’t worry! I won’t start shooting until morning – but then there will be quite an explosion!

FALKE Psst: They’re coming (she re-masks and moves D/S left)

(EISENSTEIN & FRANK ENTER)

EISENSTEIN Ha, Ha, Ha, This is wonderfully entertaining!

ROSALINDA Can I believe my eyes? The prison director here too?

FRANK Your watch is a real gem Marquis!

ROSALINDA The rogue is pretending to be a Marquis?

EISENSTEIN Isn’t it though? Yes, I owe many a conquest to it.

FRANK If your wife only knew!

EISENSTEIN Ha,ha,ha. My poor little wife. Probably dreaming sweetly right now of her Gabriel!

ROSALINDA (to Falke) And her Gabriel is making fun of her!

FRANK Do you live in the neighbourhood Marquis?

EISENSTEIN Oh very near, not ten minutes away, to the right….

30

FRANK So do I, only to the left. Isn’t it amazing we haven’t met before? But in future I hope you will visit me, very soon!

FALKE (to Rosalinda) He will indeed – tomorrow morning!

EISENSTEIN We shall be friends.

FRANK With all my heart!

TOGETHER: We shall never part!

(FALKE MOVES TO EISENSTEIN & FRANK)

FALKE Ha Ha!

EISENSTEIN Now what is so funny?

FALKE (indicating Rosalinda) I always find it funny to see two men embrace when there is a lovely lady present!

FRANK Good heavens!

EISENSTEIN Then that is….

FALKE The Hungarian Countess, of whom I was speaking. She is said to be ravishingly beautiful!

EISENSTEIN By Heaven, that should be something for me! Leave her to me gentlemen!

FALKE It’s all right with me, you insatiable devil!

FRANK I make no objection!

EISENSTEIN In ten minutes she shall be mine! Who can resist me?

FALKE Good luck Marquis. Lots of luck!

FRANK This Marquis seems to be just as jolly as your friend Eisenstein, my good Doctor.

(FALKE & FRANK EXIT)

EISENSTEIN (to himself) I am as jolly as myself? What does he know about Eisenstein? He has never known me as Eisenstein, surely?

(ROSALINDA APPROACHES AND T LOOKS HARD INTO HIS FACE, DARING HIM TO RECOGNISE HER)

ROSALINDA (Lets him go & moves away – to herself) How I’d love to tear his hair out! But I dare not give myself away!

EISENSTEIN (to himself- front) By Jove, she seems to be full of fire! Hungarian blood! But I don’t believe that fairy tale about the ‘Countess’ and the high aristocracy! (takes out watch-Orch cue chime triangle) She’ll fall for the watch, just like all the rest of them!

ROSALINDA (Disguised Hungarian voice) What an adorable lady’s watch!

31

EISENSTEIN Yes, isn’t it charming?

(TAKES HER ARM AND LEADS HER TO THE SEAT)

ROSALINDA Excuse me Marquis, but are you married?

EISENSTEIN I? But how could you think such a thing? Now, allow me also a question? Has the time come for you to lift your mask – just a little?

ROSALINDA Not tonight: but tomorrow the masks will all be off!

EISENSTEIN Tomorrow? It will be impossible!

ROSALINDA Why not tomorrow?

EISENSTEIN I…I…I have an appointment tomorrow.

ROSALINDA An appointment?

EISENSTEIN Yes, a private appointment, behind closed doors.

ROSALINDA Perhaps I shall come with you!

EISENSTEIN You are joking! (to himself) She is really enchanting (watch chime Orch: cue)

ROSALINDA (to herself) If I could only capture that watch! What a perfect corpus delicti!

Music No. 9 Duet

EISENSTEINWhat a manner, she’s so gracious,

and her figure, so curvaceous; could I kiss her, or caress her little foot, I’d be content, if she only would consent!

ROSALINDAWhile his prison cell is waiting,

he is freely celebrating!What a lover, he’ll discover,

two can play that game tonight.He will not get off so light,I will make that rat contrite.

EISENSTEINAh, this vision so enchanted could fade without a trace!

Will you let my wish be granted and unmask your lovely face?

ROSALINDAAh my dear Marquis, how dare you?

Do not touch or even ask!Here good manners should prepare you

to respect a lady’s mask!

(BOTH:)He is eyeing / half denying / me,

And sighing / half complying,

32

Who can doubt what he is tryingShe is flying my embrace

He is scheming / let us see/ never dreaming / I’ll insist /

With his wife he plans a tryst / If she will resist / Let him think that /

Yes, I think that / He’s succeeding / I’m succeeding / Soon the scoundrel / I will persist / will be bleeding /

I’ll insist / I’ll persist and give his game a different twist.

ROSALINDAAh, it seems the room is spinning,

how my heart begins to beat!

EISENSTEINHa, that means that I am winning,

it is love that makes her weak!

ROSALINDAIt is just a fleeting ailment, I have had it many times,

Could you count for me my heartbeat with that charming watch that chimes?

EISENSTEINAh, just what we ought to do!

ROSALINDACount with me, I beg of you!

BOTHWe’ll count together,

count together,count together,count with me!

EISENSTEINOne, two, three, four,

ROSALINDAFive, six, seven, nine,

EISENSTEINNo, you are too late, for after seven must come eight.

ROSALINDAYou mixed me up, let’s get it straight,

we’ll have to change it.

EISENSTEINChange it? How?

ROSALINDANow you must count my beating heart,

and I the tick-tock of your watch.One moment more and we must start;Now start to count, my dear Marquis!

33

EISENSTEIN You count with me!

BOTH:One, two, three, four,five, six, seven, eight,

nine, ten, eleven, twelve,thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen,

seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty,thirty, forty, fifty, sixty,

eighty, a hundred!Six hundred and nine

so high that cannot be the score!I counted more before!

No, half a million maybe more! Yes, half a million beats or more!

I think you’d better check your figures!

(hiding the watch)

Ah yes, that figure needs re-checking!You have no chance to check a second!She wants to keep my chiming watch!

Not my watch!I thank you with pleasure!

Do give it back!You’re joking! This treasure!

ROSALINDAAh…..!

EISENSTEINShe has won the game I started,now my watch and I are parted;what a dreadful price I’m paying,

for the joke that I was playing!Ah, not my watch! I need it so,

do let it go!There’s no doubt I’ve lost my timing,

without my watch now my time is running out!Oh no, oh no!

What a dreadful price I’m paying,for the joke that I was playing!Ah, How can you be so cruel!

Ah, I am a fool! My watch!

(ON PLAYOUT ROSALINDA MOVES STAGE LEFT EISENSTEIN MOVES TO STAGE RIGHT. CHORUS ENTERS. – ADELE & IDA ENTER)

ADELE Ah, here is the exotic foreigner!

IDA The fascinating mystery lady, whom the Doctor spoke of!

ADELE I’d like to look her in the eyes!

34

LADIES: Me too. Me too!

ADELE Let’s try the attack! Lovely mystery lady, if you are not too hideous….

IDA … or the faceless wonder….

ADELE ….allow us to ask you to lift your mask?

ALL: Unmask, unmask!

(ORLOFSKY ENTERS WITH FALKE)

ORFLOFSKY Stop, dear guests! You are breaking the agreement! In my villa, every lady has the right to cover… or uncover….as much as she likes. (to Rosalinda) Without embarrassment my fair one.

EISENSTEIN (looking towards his watch) She’s not embarrassed, and she’s not fair. She kept my watch!

ADELE I’ll give you ten to one she’s not even Hungarian. A lady from behind the paprika curtain has more fire; she’d have exploded long ago in this company!

ORFLOFSKY In spite of that, still she is Hungarian!

IDA Who can guarantee that, your Highness?

ROSALINDA Let music be my guarantee!

ALL: Music?

ROSALINDA Certainly, let the melodies of my homeland speak for me!

Music No. 10 CSÁRDÁS

ROSALINDASongs of my homeland, you fill me with longing,mem’ries come thronging with sad, sweet tears!

When I hear gypsies play melody streaming,in my dreaming, my Magyarland appears!

Oh land where my heart takes flight,Where sunlight is shining

so bright on green forest shadowsand gay smiling meadows,

oh land where I lived in delight!Yes, thy beloved name sets my heart and my souls aflame,

Thy beloved name!Although I have departed from thee,

Ah! Your image is a part of me for evermore in my yearning heart!Oh land where my heart takes flight,where sunlight is shining so bright

on green forest shadows and gay smiling meadows,oh land where I lived in delight!

Fiery, full of zest, swells every Magyar breast,Hei! Come dance tonight!Csardas sounds so bright!

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Dark eyed gypsy girl, join in the joyous whirl,Dancing, light and wild, lovely laughing child!

Fiddles are strumming, ho ha, jubilant humming: ho ha,When he clanks his spurs,

Eyes shining into hers, in her blushing glance,He can read romance! Thirsts are growing,

Wine is flowing, pass the bottle round the circle quick from hand to hand!Gaily drinking, never thinking,

With a hail for our fatherland! Ha……………..!

Fiery, full of life, swells every Magyar breast,Hei! Come dance tonight!Csardas sounds so bright!Lalalalalalalalalala,,,,,,laLa!

ALL: Brava Bravissima!

IDA What about the joke you promised, Doctor?

FALKE What do you mean?

IDA The story of the Bat!

EISENSTEIN Are you talking about the Bat? That was my little comedy, in which I gave the title role to the poor Doctor. It was a great joke, of which he was the victim.

IDA Then why don’t you tell us?

FALKE Very well. Some years ago the Marquis and I were a pair of loyal, jolly brother students. Every night we would go to a bar or a party.

EISENSTEIN Yes those were the days. Falke was graduating as a notary, and I was not yet married.

FRANK What? Are you married now Marquis?

ROSALINDA Isn’t that appalling? You have a wife? Oh, my illusions! My hopes!

EISENSTEIN Hope away, my lovely time-keeper. My wife is petrified with age and ugly as sin!

ROSALINDA (to Falke) Always the flatterer!

EISENSTEIN We were invited to a masked ball. I went as a butterfly, and the Doctor was a bat!

ALL: Falke as a bat? Ha Ha ha.

EISENSTEIN We went to the ball together and had a splendid time. But I wanted a little extra amusement, so I got the good Doctor more than a little drunk, so that by dawn, he was out like a light! Then I took him off to a little public park, arranged him carefully on a bench under a tree, and took my leave. He was sleeping like a dormouse.

ALL: Ha Ha ha The poor Doctor.

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EISENSTEIN The school children finally woke him up with their laughing, and they followed him all the way home, in broad daylight, making a tremendous parade and shouting with laughter!

ALL: Ha Ha Ha.

EISENSTEIN Ever since then everyone in the city calls him Doctor Bat!

IDA Did he never get revenge for such a painful trick?

EISENSTEIN Oh, I am always on my guard!

FALKE Postponed does not mean cancelled! Who knows, by tomorrow another joker may wear the crown!

FRANK Marquis, your batty idea was superb. Only a Marquis could have thought of it!

ORFLOFSKY But of course. Let us drink a toast to the Marquis, and to the Chevalier, and to all of us. Ivan! Some wine if you please!

ALL: Some wine, some wine!

EISENSTEIN Won’t you take that mask off now?

ROSALINDA Not now, but tomorrow!

ORFLOFSKY Let us drink Champagne, the King of Wines! Long live his sparkling majesty, and all his subjects.

ALL: Hail!

Music No. 11. Finale Act II (selected chorus sing minor soloist parts)

ORFLOFSKYThe sparkling wine is flowing, tra la lala la la la-la.

Fiery bubbles glowing, tra la lala la la la-ha.Though emperors take pleasure in laurel wreaths and treasure,

When bored with adoration, they call for a libation.A toast to wine! Champagne shall rule the nation,the king of celebration, we toast his coronation!

ALL: Drink up, a toast, a toast!

ORFLOFSKY His majesty is well renowned; all around,

Let it ring; gaily we announce that champagne is crowned the king!

ALL: His majesty is well renowned; all around,

Let it ring; gaily we announce it; champagne is the king!Long live the champagne celebration!

EISENSTEIN Monks on silent mountains,

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tra la lala la la la-la.Seek the flowing fountains,

tra la lala la la la-ha.

A monk must fight temptation in thirsty meditation;So when the wine is tasted there’s not a drop is wasted.

A toast to wine! Champagne shall rule the nation,The king of celebration,We toast his coronation!

ALL:Drink up, a toast, a toast!

EISENSTEINHis majesty is well renowned; all around,

Let it ring; gaily we announce that champagne is crowned the king!

ALL:His majesty is well renowned; all around,

Let it ring; gaily we announce it; champagne is the king!Long live the champagne celebration!

ADELEAll hailed by every nation,

tra la lala la la la-la.Every situation, tra la lala la la la-ha.

For when champagne is flowing all hearts are gay and glowing;It is the best solution to ward off revolution.

A toast to wine! Champagne shall rule the nation,The king of celebration, we toast his coronation!

ALL:Drink up, a toast, a toast!

ADELEHis majesty is well renowned; all around, let it ring;

Gaily we announce that champagne is crowned the king!

ALL:His majesty is well renowned; all around, let it ring;

gaily we announce it; champagne is our king!

EISENSTEINDear Chevalier, don’t you agree?

FRANKMerci, merci, merci! I’m at your service, dear Marquis!

EISENSTEINMerci, merci, merci!

FALKELots of luck, Chevalier and Marquis!

EIS+FRANKMerci, merci, merci!

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LADIES:Hahaha, merci, merci, merci!

FALKE Come gather close, I have a toast!

ALL:Gather close!

FALKEIn happy couples, all are united; tonight each heart feels that love is requited;

So let us all promise to love as we should, in sister and in brotherhood,Let us drink to brotherhood, to us!

ALLLet us drink to brotherhood, to us!

EISENSTEINMysterious lady, join with us!

ROSALINDAIf all our kissing, I’ll not be missing!

FALKENow follow me, raise your glass on high,

And toast the one who’s standing nearby: Brother mine, brother mine and sister mine,

To each other we sing, as lovers should,Brother mine, brother mine and sister mine,

With our love we conquer sorrow.For eternity, though tonight may be just a memory tomorrow!First a kiss, then it’s you, you, you, you, Dreams come true!

First a kiss, then it’s you, you, you, ever new, ever true, ever, ever, you!

ORLOFSKY(and others):

Brother mine, brother mine and sister mine,To each other we sing, as lovers should,

As all lovers should, it is love that conquers sorrow,For eternity, though tonight may be just a memory tomorrow!First a kiss, then it’s you, you, you, you, dreams come true,

First a kiss, then it’s you, you, you, you, you, you, you,I do love you, lalalalalala say you love too lalalalala my love is true lalalalala……laLa!

(Ballet pages 128 to 136 is cut, unless we sing the Polka pages 131-134 with half dancing and half singing, swapping on page 133 at music gap In which case we would need a D major chord from the orchestra ? a horn solo? On pause bar before Key change from E to G)

(refer to orchestral music)

CHORUS Marianka, come and dance viz me, already schetzko jedno, see?

Ve dance a polka, me and you; what is a fun, bohemians do!Marianka, come and dance viz me, already schetzko jedno, see?

Ve dance a polka, me and you; what is a fun, bohemians do!

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Toje heski musitschku, with trumpetel, clarinetel,So the czech musicians play, no one else can play that way.

Marianka, come and dance viz me, already schetzko jedno, see?Ve dance a polka, me and you; what is a fun, bohemians do!

Marianka, come and dance viz me, already schetzko jedno, see?Ve dance a polka, me and you; what is a fun, bohemians do! Hey! Hey!

(refer to orchestral music)

ORFLOFSKYEnough, of this, enough!

Let these dancers have a rest!The music is playing for all to be swaying; will you not dance at my request!

(+CHORUS): Everyone dance, let us dance, in a waltz of gay romance!

(ALL TO PLACES FOR WALTZ)

ALLCome, let us dance through the night divine,

Floating on music and love and wine,Life everlasting would be such bliss,

If all our nights could be passed like this!

EISENSTEINDear friend, I depend on you!

FRANKTrust me, I never will fail you!

ROSALINDA, ORLOFSKY & FALKEWhat a great surprise for you when your new-found friend must jail you!

ALLCome, let us dance through the night divine,

Floating on music and love and wine,Life everlasting would be such bliss,

If all our nights could be passed like this!

FRANKBrother, brother, is my watch too slow?

Tell me, what does your watch say?

EISENSTEINBrother, mine runs too fast, you know, for tonight it ran away.

(to Rosalinda) Lovely one, I ask you,Will you let us now unmask you, let me see who shared my fun

When my heart and watch were won.

ROSALINDADo no ask to see what is concealed,

You tremble at the sight were it revealed!

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EISENSTEIN Huhuhuhu – what do you mean?

What do you mean?

ALLIndeed a comical scene!

ADELEYou are the male, make her unveil!

IDATo weaken and waver would be outrageous!

EISENSTEINI’m nothing if not courageous!

Sweetheart, come, resist me not!

ROSALINDAI’ve a blemish so vexatious and I have to hide the spot!

EISENSTEINBeauty spots are soon forgot!

(THE OTHERS)Such a blemish stops him not!

EISENSTEINI must see this face tonight!

(THE OTHERS)He will see her face tonight!

(EISENSTEIN PURSUES ROSALINDA – WATCH CHIMES)

EISENSTEIN & FRANKOne! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six!

EISENSTEINGet my hat, get my hat, I am on my way!

FRANKGet my hat, get my hat, I must break away!

ALLGet his hat, get his hat, too bad he won’t stay!

FRANKMy commitment can’t wait! I’m afraid I will be late!

EISENSTEIN & FRANKGet my hat, get my cape, I must have my cape!

ALLGet his cape, get his hat, get his cape! Hahaha!

Get his hat, he must have his cape! Hahaha!

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FRANKE:If you go my way, walk along with me.

EISENSTEINFor a while, I may keep you company!

EISENSTEIN & FRANKEWe can’t remain!

ALLAuf Wiedersehen, haha, come,

Let us dance through the night divine,Floating on music and love and wine.

Would all our nights could be passed like this!Then life would be such everlasting bliss,If only our nights were passed like this!

(EISENSTEIN AND FRANK, DURING THE LAST TEMPO, HAVE STAGGERED TO THE BACKGROUND WHERE THEY ARE SURROUNDED BY DANCERS AS THE CURTAIN FALLS….)

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ACT III

Music No. 12 Entr’acte

FROSCH (He burps loudly following the scene change. He is quite intoxicated)

ALFRED(Sings backstage)

Darling dove that flew away, etc)(Mein liebe schwann

FROSCH Ho Ho, this is a jolly jail. The prisoner in number 12 is singing of birds again. (laugh, hick) Perhaps they’re ‘jail’ birds! I’ve only been here a few days, since I was transferred with the Director, but it certainly seems to agree with me. I never saw such a jolly jail. And the slivovitz here agrees with me too!

ALFRED(Sings again)

Drink my darling, drink this wine, Drinking makes your eyes to shine”

FROSCH Now you’re talking! That calls for a re-cip-ro-cal-ation! Now where did I put that slivovitz? (He goes to cupboard/filing cabinet and peers in. Takes out empty bottle). Blast! Evaporated! (He looks through filing cabinet/cupboard) Under ‘S’ for slivovitz? No! ‘B’ for booze? No! (Finds bottle) Ah-ha! ‘M’ for medicine! (Drinks briefly from bottle). No! I must mind my manners!! (Sees flower vase. Takes out flowers. Pours in the slivovitz, and drinks, leaving vase half full) I think I’ll leave some for later! (Replaces flowers). What a cheerful little jail! Yes, I like it better and better! My head’s as clear as can be…my brain has relaxed itself right down to my boots. That must be why they are so heavy! And then I keep hearing strange music!

ALFRED(Backstage singing some high Opera aria lines)

Bella figlia…, , Im bildness…etc

FROSCH How pleasant and jolly everything seems to be! Could it be the slivovitz? (listening) No, it’s the prisoner in Number 12 singing again! Quiet Sir! Quiet! Oooh my head! Singing is against the rules! When a sober, peace-loving, law-abiding official has to be in his office at this hour of the morning he needs his peace and quiet! Wait right there you damned bottle! (Staggers off speaking) It certainly is jolly, here in this jail!

Music Number 13 Melodrama

(FRANK ENTERS. THROWS HIS HAT IN A CORNER AND WHISTLES TO HIMSELF IN TIME TO MUSIC AND FINALLY SUCCEEDS IN REMOVING HIS OVERCOAT. HE MUMBLES TO HIMSELF…)

FRANK Marquis give me your hand, be my friend! (he sings)

His Majesty is well renowned all aroundLet it ring gaily we announce it champagne

Is crowned the King. Long live the champagne celebra

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(CARRIES TEA THINGS UPSTAGE FANS HIMSELF AND DRINKS, SINKS EXHAUSTED INTO CHAIR WITH NEWSPAPER, FALLS ASLEEP)

FROSCH (enters and notices Frank asleep) Ah, the Director is already here! He seems emersed in his reading! (Pulls himself together; attempts military posture) I must make my report to him. (very loud) Director, I’ve come to report!

FRANK (startled, leaping up) What happened? Oh, yes Frogg. Croak out your report! Come closer!

FROSCH (confused, not daring to move) Should I come closer?

FRANK Certainly! (Frosch takes two wavering careful steps) (FRANK to himself) That accursed champagne! Everything jumps around in front of my eyes. Even the Frogg is hopping! (aloud) What’s new?

FROSCH Nothing Director. Only that the prisoner in number 12 wants an eagle-laid’.

FRANK What are you talking about – ‘eagle-laid’? Ah, perhaps you mean ‘legal aid’?

FROSCH Ah yes, perhaps, sir! He is asking for an.Av-o-ca-do!

FRANK An Avocado?.. You idiot. That’s an Advocat – a lawyer you fool!

FROSCH I called the famous Dr Blind; somebody recommended him for ……………………. something. (swaying) Accursed slivovitz!

FRANK Why are you swaying back and forth like that?

FROSCH (still swaying) I’m not swaying now!

FRANK Accursed champagne, everything seems to be swaying!

FROSCH (holding desk/chair) See Director, I’m not swaying now!

FRANK Who said you were swaying? Accursed position to be in!

FROSCH Nobody, Director! Nobody said so! (aside) It seems to me that he said it?

FRANK Well Frogg, how do you like it here?

FROSCH (leaning elbows across Frank’s desk) How do I like it? Very well! It’s very jolly. As a matter of fact, I’ve never been in such a jolly jail! Don’t you think so Director?

FRANK Yes, you have a point; it is a jolly jail. (door bell) What’s that? I heard someone ring at the door.

FROSCH (stands without moving) Yes, I thought so too!

FRANK Look out the window and see who it is! (door bell)

FROSCH Out the window? I’ll never get that far (staggers in zig-zag).

FRANK Don’t let it be visitors now!

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FROSCH Two ladies are there!

FRANK Two ladies, you say?

FROSCH Well, maybe only one. I could be seeing double! Should I open up?

FRANK No!...Yes!...I mean… No! (Frosch moves back & forth on the words)

FROSCH They are very pretty ladies!

FRANK Then open up! Why don’t you open the door?

FROSCH I’m going already! What a pleasant situation! Two beautiful girls arriving already, before breakfast! I must say it’s a jolly jail. Jumping Jolly!

(EXITS).

FRANK If I could only get something down quickly…(discovers carafe of flowers, pours himself a glass and gulps it down)

(FROSCH ENTERS)

FROSCH These ladies want to speak to the Chevalier Chagrin.

FRANK Chevalier Chagrin?

FROSCH I already told them we have no one by that name here!

(ADELE & IDA ENTER)

ADELE But there he is, right there!

IDA Dr Falke described the house perfectly!

FRANK (To himself) Olga and Ida! That’s all I need! (to Frogg) Leave us alone!

FROSCH At your service! A pleasant prison! Jollier and jollier!

(EXIT)

ADELE You must be wondering about our visit Chevalier?

FRANK As a matter of fact… I never hoped…so soon!

ADELE We have something to ask you.

IDA And my sister said, nothing ventured, nothing gained. As you seemed to take a special interest in my sister last night…

FRANK Indeed! (gallant) I found you both very lovable!

ADELE So I felt it was my duty to make a confession to you…

FRANK Ho ho (to himself) Its getting very warm!

ADELE That I am not what I seem to be!

45

FRANK (gallant) You are completely enchanting, and that is enough for me my angel!

IDA But my sister isn’t really an actress.

FRANK What is not could well come to be!

ADELE That’s just what my sister says, and that’s why I came to you!

IDA You are such a noble gentleman, and maybe you could help her?

FRANK In what way?

IDA Well, as I said, my sister is not an actress…yet…

ADELE Not even a beginner, so far I’m just a chambermaid at the Eisenstein house.

FRANK A chambermaid? And you let me kiss your hand?

IDA My lips too!

FRANK Don’t mention that!

ADELE It will be our secret! But since you will be speaking to the Herr von Eisenstein, I have a favour to ask you.

FRANK Well?

ADELE He knows I wore my mistress’s dress to the Orlofsky soirée without her permission (sobs) I beg you, I implore you, to put in a word for me?

FRANK So he will forgive you?

ADELE Oh no! So he’ll let me keep the dress since it is so becoming!

FRANK That is a little too much to expect! They will let you go on the spot!

IDA Ah, if that’s the only thing, she has already let herself go!

ADELE Because I had the idea I could let myself be developed for the theatre!

IDA And that is where you come in Chevalier! I let just a fine gentleman develop me!

FRANK I should have you developed? Yes, but have you any talent?

ADELE Have I got talent? What a question!

Music No. 14 Couplets – Adele’s Audition song

ADELEI’d have the greatest success as a country girl,

Wearing short dresses; an innocent rollicking girl,I’d frolic about like a squirrel.

And if a nice young man came by I’d flutter my lashes and sigh,Through my fingers I’d peek much too timid to speak,

I’d twist my apron strings, so coy;That’s how you catch a country boy and if he follows where I go,

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I’d say naively “No, no, no!”Beside him on the grass I’d sit,And then perhaps I’d sing a bit!

La, la, lalalalalalala…….……la, La.

Surely you can see,Surely you agree

To waste such talent is all wrongWith so much to show, so much to show,

The stage is where I belong.

How well I could play a Queen,Her Majesty so serene,

Bowing there, and nodding here,In all, ah, my glory I’ll appear!

Courtiers paying homage bow to me,While I speak my royal part.

Smiling I will rule so graciously,Queen of everybody’s heart

La, la, lalalalalalala…….……la, La.

(FRANK IMITATES DRUM AND IDA IMITATES A TRUMPET)

Now you surely see and you must agree,To waste such talent is all wrong

With so much to show, with so much to show,The stage is where I belong!

I’ll play a lady from Paris,Ah, Ah, Who’s married to a French Marquis, Ah, Ah,

A handsome Count comes on the scene,Ah, Ah, to tempt me with an old routine, Ah.

For two whole acts I will not sin,But in the third, at last give in:

When all at once into the room my husband bursts; it is my doom, Ah!But he forgives me and withdraws,

Ah, the curtain falls to great applause, Ah, Ah, yes!

FRANK You certainly seem much too well-developed already for a chamber maid!

IDA Will you help my sister develop her talent, Chevalier? (bell rings)

FRANK (at window) I must see who that is! Good Lord, Marquis Renard! What’ll I do now?

FROSCH (having entered) Shall I open the door?

FRANK Yes…No…not yet! Now I’m completely confused! (to Frosch) Show the ladies to another room!

FROSCH Number 13 is the only one free!

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FRANK Then show them to number 13! (bell rings again)

FROSCH So they are to be locked up too?

FRANK No! That is, yes! It’s all the same! Lock them up, but just get them out of here! What could the Marquis want here?

FROSCH Would you be so kind ladies!

ADELE Is number 13 your reception room?

FROSCH Definitely! Oh we have quite a few rooms of that type, since some of our visitors do, that is, spend a lot of time.

IDA Well then, lead on to number 13!

FROSCH (offering an arm to each) Whenever you’re ready! Jolly jail! Jolly, jolly, jolly!

(FROSCH, ADELE & IDA EXIT)

FRANK Marquis Renard must be getting impatient! What shall I do? I’ll have to receive him, even at the risk of making myself a terrible laughing stock over the whole affair. (opens door).

(EINSTEIN ENTERS)

EISENSTEIN Can it be possible, my dear Chevalier? To find you here? Did they arrest you for disturbing the peace?

FRANK Tell me first, my dear Marquis, what are you doing here?

EISENSTEIN Well one might say I am at home here!

FRANK You’re at home here? I might better say that about myself!

EISENSTEIN So? What did you do to get arrested, Chevalier?

FRANK I haven’t been arrested!

EISENSTEIN The devil! What are you doing here then?

FRANK I have to tell you the truth! I am not the Chevalier Chagrin! My name is Frank and I am Director of this prison!

EISENSTEIN Ha, ha! That’s wonderful! You’re a better joker than I am!

FRANK It’s no joke! I am afraid it is the bitter truth!

EISENSTEIN Go on man! You must be joking!

FRANK You doubt my word? (rings) You shall soon be convinced!

(ENTER FROSCH)

FROSCH You rang, Director?

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FRANK Arrest the Marquis!

FROSCH Yes sir! Shall I put him in handcuffs?

EISENSTEIN What’s the meaning of this?

FRANK Let him go again! It was only a little joke!

FROSCH Ah ha! Only a joke! Funny jokes! I say it again, this is certainly a jolly jail! Mighty jolly!

(FROSH EXITS)

FRANK Are you convinced? I hope you are not angry?

EISENSTEIN I can’t very well be angry with you, since you have a perfect right to have me arrested!

FRANK What do you mean by that Marquis?

EISENSTEIN You can forget this Marquis business! I’m no Marquis! I am as much of a Marquis as you are a Chevalier!

FRANK What are you saying?

EISENSTEIN My name is von Eisenstein, and I have come to start my eight days’ sentence in jail! If you will be so kind, Director, as to show me to my private suite!

FRANK Ha ha! That’s not bad! Quite a witty joke!

EISENSTEIN What do you mean?

FRANK I mean that just as I proved to you that I am the prison Director, so I can prove that you are not Eisenstein!

EISENSTEIN I am not Eisenstein?

FRANK Last night I personally arrested Eisenstein at about ten o’clock in his house!

EISENSTEIN He was in his house then?

FRANK Of course! He was sitting very cosily in his dressing gown, having supper with his wife!

EISENSTEIN In his dressing gown!! With his wife!!

(DOOR BELL; FROSCH ENTERS AND PASSES THROUGH AND EXITS)

FRANK They took such a tender farewell. Even I was touched!

EISENSTEIN Tender farewell? No, no, that is impossible! And where… where is this Eisenstein now?

FRANK He’s sitting in number 12!

(FROSCH ENTERS)

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FROSCH This jail gets jollier and jollier! Now there’s another lady here!

FRANK What did you say? A lady?

FROSCH Yes indeed a lady!

FRANK What does she look like?

FROSCH She is wearing a mask, but from the way she acts, she must be pretty! I left her in the waiting room

FRANK A masked lady? (to Eisenstein) You’ll have to excuse me for a moment!

(EXITS).

FROSCH If I have to lock her up too I just don’t know where I’ll put her! (bell) Now there’s someone else! Never a dull moment in this jolly jail!

(EXITS)

EISENSTEIN Someone else was arrested in my house, and is now in this very jail! Another me had supper with my wife! I think I am now absolutely sober. What I need is to visit myself in number 12! This is insanity!

(ENTERS WITH BLIND IN ACT 1 COSTUME)

FROSCH Please wait here Doctor Blind! I’ll bring in Herr von Eisenstein!

(EXITS)

BLIND W… What did that fellow s…say? He’d b…bring you? But your already h…here!

EISENSTEIN That’s neither here nor there! I’m not only here, but I’m also there! What do you want here, you law-squeezing book worm?

BLIND What d…do I want h…here? Y…You w…were the one who s…sent f…for m…me!

EISENSTEIN I sent for you?

BLIND I was expressly t…told that the H…Herr v…von Eisenstein wanted me at h…his s…side!

EISENSTEIN Because Herr von Eisenstein is an idiot!

BLIND V…Very likely, b…but…

EISENSTEIN I don’t mean me! The other Eisenstein is an idiot! Wait! An idea! You must let me take your place!

BLIND T…Take m…my p…place?

EISENSTEIN Only for the appointment with Herr von Eisenstein! So I can make some detailed enquiries!

BLIND Y…you always say the m…most confusing things!

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EISENSTEIN Then I shall resemble you all the more! I need you robe, your wig, spectacles and brief case! Forward march, you pitiful pusher of appeals, or I’ll strangle you!

(PUSHES HIM OFF STAGE – COSTUME CHANGE BLIND EXITS)

(FROSCH ENTERS WITH ALFRED)

FROSCH Dr Blind, here is the gentleman from number 12, who wanted to see you.

ALFRED But I don’t see anyone?

FROSCH That is very likely, after all he is Blind!! Accursed slivovitz!

(FROSCH EXITS)

ALFRED I must admit that this venture is beginning to bore me! Its daylight already, and not a soul appears to take any interest in me! Is that what I get for discretion?

(ROSALINDA ENTERS)

ALFRED Ah, no! I have not been abandoned! The divine one herself has come to console me in my dungeon. Indeed, how noble! How romantic!

ROSALINDA This is no place to speak of romance! Listen to me!

ALFRED I’m listening!

ROSALINDA You must leave here as soon as possible!

ALFRED Ah, yes. It had occurred to me to request that myself!

ROSALINDA Any moment now my husband may show up; he must not find you here, especially in that outfit!

ALFRED Quite right! He might object to my appropriating his dressing gown.

ROSALINDA Even though he behaved in such an unworthy ,… irresponsible,…

ALFRED Irresponsible indeed to leave me languishing so long in jail!

ROSALINDA While he was having an amusing time at Prince Orlofsky’s soirée!

ALFRED At the Princes’? Oh, the rogue!

ROSALINDA But nevertheless, my position is dreadful, and I don’t know what would help me.

ALFRED Maybe the lawyer I sent for knows something?

ROSALINDA A lawyer?

(EISENSTEIN ENTERS AS BLIND)

ALFRED Here he comes now!

EISENSTEIN (Aside) Ha, the faithless one is with him! Now to be calm and composed; I must find out exactly where things stand!

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Music No. 15 Trio

ROSALINDA & ALFREDTo make his petition

EISENSTEINI’ll kick this musician / Of this inquisition / from here to perdition / I’m in no position / explain our

position / to make an admission / confess our contrition / we cannot retreat, we much be discreet; we cannot retreat, we must be discreet.

Now tell me please, your entire history; each crime that you committed, not one detail must be omitted; I shall takes notes and solve the mystery! It’s all exaggeration as you will surely see. ALF:

There is some complication, to that I must agree

Come, with your statement we will now commence, I must decide on your defence.

ALFREDSome funny things have happened to me, since yesterday; while with this charming lady I dined, a

little late I wrongly was arrested, and thrown in jail to wait.

EISENSTEINThank God, they were in time; so infamous a crime!

ALFREDHow dare you, have you gone insane?

You’ve come here to defend me

EISENSTEINYou must forgive me I’ll explain!

I cannot help but share your pain,So no more will I offend you:

No, I’ve come here to defend you.

ROSALINDA & ALFREDTo criticise and not advise is most unwise;

A strange surprise!You must remain quite calm and sane or nothing can be gained,

So please remain calm and sane.

ROSALINDAThe whole thing is a mishap, and innocent of shame;

But still it would cause gossip,And compromise my name;And if my husband hear it,

He’d say I was to blame!

EISENSTEINAs I would in hi place; you should be in disgrace!

ROSALINDAI think you must have lost your mind!

You came here to defend us!

EISENSTEINForgive me if I seem unkind,

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My feeling sometimes make me blind,No more will I offend you,

No I came here to defend you!

ROSALINDA & ALFREDTo criticise and not advise is most unwise;

A strange surprise!You must remain quite calm and sane or nothing will be gained,

You must remain calm and sane

EISENSTEINI beg you now to tell me all,Details both large and small,Omitting nothing you recall,

Did nothing else befall?

ALFREDWhy do you ask a thing like that?

ROSALINDAIndeed!

EISENSTEINCome now, do not stall, did nothing else befall?

ROSALINDADear sis, what are you getting at?How can you ask a thing like that?

EISENSTEINI need that information. Did nothing else befall?I need an explanation. What’s your explanation?

ROSALINDAIndeed!

ALFREDIndeed!

ROSALINDAIndeed!

It seems my husband’s point of view arouses sympathy in you – dear sir you may believe me:My husband is a shameless beast, a faithless cad, to say the least,

So monstrously does he deceive me; he was carousing all night long with shady ladies,Wine and song, indulging every pleasure, with pleasure!

I’ll make him pay that gay roue, and if he dares to come my way,I’ll scratch his roving eye out first and then, divorce him at my leisure,

I will scratch his roving eye out first and then divorce him!’’

ALLI’ll (She’ll) scratch his roving eye out first and then,

Divorce him, with great pleasure,I’ll scratch his roving eye out first and then, divorce him.

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ALFREDNow you have heard the story through,

Tell us what we ought to do?Since her husband’s gone astray,

You must find a clever way we can make the sinner pay.

EISENSTEINThat is the end.

ALFREDWhat do you mean.

EISENSTEINYou dare pretend!

ROSALINDAWhat do you mean?

Why do you make a scene?

EISENSTEINYou’re guilty, you should tremble, for vengeance shall be mine!

You can no more dissemble, for I am Eisenstein!

ROSALINDA & ALFREDFor you are Eisenstein! Yes, he is Eisenstein!

EISENSTEINYes! Yes! I am he whom you’re betraying,

I’m the victim of your straying,But horrendously I will avenge myself!

ALLIt was (I am) he who was betraying, lied to me and went astraying, now you dare to talk about

revenge. No defence / so Eisenstein / penitence / dear Eisenstein / you’ll see that revenge is mine.

ALLVengeance is mine, Vengeance is mine.

Ve-ve-ve-ve- ve-ve-ve- vengeance is mine!

(FALKE ENTERS UNSEEN BY OTHERS)

ROSALINDA You think you can reproach me and carry on about infidelity, while I know all too well (thrusting watch in front of his nose) what time it is!

EISENSTEIN My watch! The devil take it! I’d forgotten all about that!

ROSALINDA Would you care to count the beating of my heart again, Marquis?

EISENSTEIN You were my Hungarian Countess? Oh, what a fool I’ve made of myself!

ALFRED Then you must be Herr von Eisenstein?

EISENSTEIN Yes I am Eisenstein, the owner of this entire woman as well as that unfaithful dressing gown!

ALFRED I return them both to you, most gratefully!

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EISENSTEIN You will give me satisfaction, immediately!

ALFRED Immediately? Impossible! First you must be kind enough to accept also your position in cell number 12, of which you are also the legitimate owner!

ROSALINDA What are you saying?

ALFRED I said, your husband can sit out his remaining seven days! One was enough for me!

FALKE So we have our little scene of reunion!

ROSALINDA Doctor! What have you done?

(OFF STAGE SHOUTING FROM ADELE & IDA)

FALKE But Dear Lady, I have not yet done! COLONEL!

(FRANK ENTERS)

ALFRED The real von Eisenstein has discovered himself, and is burning to take his proper place, which I so unjustly occupied, in his cell!

EISENSTEIN Never! I am not Eisenstein! Who will prove that I am?

(FROSCH ENTERS)

FROSCH Director, the two ladies in number 13 are shouting bloody murder!

FRANK Ah! I had almost forgotten about them! Let them out, and show them in here!

FROSH: Jolly, jolly jail!

ROSALINDA Who are the two ladies?

FRANK They are not unknown dear lady! One of them you know especially well!

(ADELE & IDA ENTE)

ADELE Infamous!

IDA Shameful!

ADELE (to Frank) How could you let my sister and me be put in prison?

IDA What have we done to disserve this?

FRANK I beg your forgiveness. A little misunderstanding by this Frogg!

FROSCH But Herr Prison Director? You said…

ADELE Prison Director?

FRANK To be sure, and as such, I ask you, (pointing to Eisenstein) Do you know this gentleman?

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ADELE It is Herr von Eisenstein, with my one-time mistress!

EISENSTEIN What do I care for her testimony? I am absolutely not going to jail now!

FALKE What with all these witnesses to your identity?

(ENTER ENTIRE CAST FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STAGE)

FROSCH Still more? It gets jollier and jollier every minute around here!

Music No. 16 Finale III

ALLThe vengeance of the Bat is won,Now let the victim share the fun,

You’ve got the best of him tonight,He is a sorry sight.

EISENSTEINI’m glad you are amused,

But I am still a bit confused.Let me hear the story too.

FALKEIt’s the bat’s revenge on you.

ALLIt’s the bat’s revenge on you!

So the vengeance of the Bat is won,We’ll let the victim share the fun,

You’ve got the best of him tonight,He is a sorry sight.

EISENSTEINDo not keep me in suspense!

FALKEAll this wild coincidence was my joke, at your expense.

ALLAnd we were playing too.

EISENSTEINBut the Prince?

ORLOFSKYI played the game!

EISENSTEINAnd Adele too?

ADELEI played the game.

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EISENSTEIN(to Alfred)

Your affair?

ALFREDImagination!

EISENSTEINBut my bathrobe?

ALFREDDecoration!

EISENSTEIN

What a joyful tale you’ve told me!What relief it is to know!

Darling wife come here and hold me.

ALFREDEven though it’s not quite so, we do not harm deceiving, He’s happier believing.

ADELEWait! What will become of me?

FRANKEWhy not stay in jail with me?

Prison life is entertaining, and the best dramatic training!

ORLOFSKY(Taking Adele’s arm) No the arts I my domain,

Such a talent I must train;That is my one obsession, chacun à son gout.

ALLThis is his one obsession, chacun à son gout.

ROSALINDA Champagne in gay illusion,

Tralalalalalalala started all confusion;Lalalalalala, it made my vision clearer,

And brought my husband nearerIt brought me to my senses,

And he has learned repentance.Let’s drink a toast: champagne shall rule the nation,

The King of celebration, we toast his coronation!

ALLA toast , a toast, a toast!

ROSALINDAHis majesty is well renowned,

All around, let us sing,Gaily we announce that champagne is crowned the king!

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ALLHis majesty is well renowned,

All around, let us sing,Gaily we announce that champagne is the king

Frosch A Jolly, jolly jail!

THE END: The curtain falls

Curtain calls

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