Frau Holle at Vienna State Opera: Family Musical Review (Ages 6+)

Vienna’s Musik theatre an der Wien is currently hosting a family-friendly musical production, “Holle!”, geared towards audiences aged six and up. The production, described as a lovingly staged musical piece, centers around Frau Holle, a figure responsible for managing weather and nature, and her growing frustration with constant human complaints.

A Modern Take on a Classic Tale

The production, which premiered in 2021 in Stuttgart, is billed as an “Oper zum Klimawandel nach Motiven des Grimm’schen Märchens Frau Holle” – an opera relating to climate change based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale. However, the production itself is a relatively concise, one-hour, three-person show. The Salzburger Festspiele are scheduled to take on the production this summer.

Did You Know? The production is staged in the “Hölle” – the basement of the Musik theatre an der Wien.

Musical Style and Performance

Sebastian Schwab composed the music, drawing from a variety of styles including waltzes, operetta, dance music, and folk songs, incorporating quotes throughout. The libretto, penned by Kai Weßler and Suse Pfister, diverges significantly from the original Grimm’s fairytale. The performance features a mezzo-soprano, a clarinetist, and a hammerklavier player.

Catharina von Bülow’s direction portrays Frau Holle as a responsible and caring overseer of the weather. Her assistants, referred to as “Pech”- and “Gold”-Andy, are depicted as chaotic but likeable characters. Anna Kreinecker designed costumes including Spaghettieis-perukes and Mozart-style knee breeches. The stage is set with Frau Holle’s central office and a cluttered storage room, allowing the young audience to sit close to the action.

Expert Insight: The production’s choice to present a complex issue like weather management through a familiar fairytale framework offers a potentially accessible entry point for younger audiences to consider the responsibilities associated with natural forces.

Performances and Lasting Impressions

Manuel Ernst, playing Pech-Andy on the clarinet, was highlighted for his strong stage presence, clear diction, and instrumental skill. Tatiana Kuryatnikova delivered beautiful vocal lines as Frau Holle, though some of the lyrics were occasionally difficult to discern. Alexander Gergelyfi provided a dynamic performance on the hammerklavier. The production’s moral centers on the importance of diligence, strength, and courage for a successful harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age recommendation for “Holle!”?

The production is recommended for audiences aged six and up.

Where did “Holle!” premiere?

“Holle!” premiered in 2021 in Stuttgart.

What instruments are featured in the production?

The production features a mezzo-soprano, a clarinet, and a hammerklavier.

Does the idea of a frustrated weather manager resonate with you, and how might this production spark conversations about our relationship with the natural world?