Don Giovanni in Venice

The 1873 Burlesque Musical 

By  Robert Reece

This 1873 musical burlesque, penned by Robert Reece, was originally produced at the Gaiety Theatre in London, a venue renowned for its lively and innovative performances. 

Robert Reece, a prolific writer of burlesque, imbued "Don Giovanni in Venice" with the characteristic wit and humor of the genre. Burlesque, in this context, involved the parodying of serious works, often classical or popular operas and plays, through exaggerated comedy, musical numbers, and a playful disregard for the original's tone and seriousness. Reece's work is a clever pastiche that offers both a tribute to and a comedic critique of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni."

The music for the production, arranged by Meyer Lutz, played a crucial role in the burlesque's success. Lutz, the Gaiety Theatre's music director, was adept at blending original compositions with popular melodies of the time, creating a score that was both familiar and refreshingly new. 

"Don Giovanni in Venice" stands as a testament to the creativity and vibrancy of Victorian burlesque. It reflects the era's fascination with reinterpreting classical works through a comedic lens and showcases the Gaiety Theatre's role in shaping popular entertainment. Reece's burlesque not only provided a night of laughter and enjoyment but also highlighted the dynamic interplay between high culture and popular performance in 19th-century London.

ISBN   978-1515322467 

$12.95

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