Jacques Offenbach: Un Mari A La Porte

Un mari à la porte (A Husband at the Door) is a one-act operetta which was recorded at the Teatro del Maggio on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Offenbach's birth. Premiered in 1859, this rarely performed work is a highly amusing comedy of errors, the composer's usual vehicle for presenting and mocking the quirks and vices of French society of the day. The action takes place in Suzanne's bedroom on her wedding night. She is in the company of her friend Rosita, with whom she complains about having just discovered her future husband's bad character, which she decides to punish. Rosita tries to soothe her young friend and eventually leaves. While alone, the bride realises that there's a man hidden under the bed. It's Florestan Ducroquet, a young and penniless musician, who had entered the room after falling down the chimney while escaping from the fury of a jealous husband. Rosita joins the pair as Henry, the groom, is waiting outside the door pleading to come in, thinking the two friends are pulling a prank on him. Finally the intruder manages to flee through the window, seconds after having proposed to Rosita. Order is restored and love triumphs over all. This carefree play of allusions and misunderstandings is accompanied by Offenbach's brilliant music that moves gracefully to the dance rhythms of the polka, the mazurka and, above all, the waltz. The main attractions of this production are the colourful, flamboyant set and costumes, and the amazing acting abilities of all four singers, who have the audience laughing with sheer delight.