Lilac Time

A Musical Play

Book and Lyrics by Adrian Ross

Lilac Time, an operetta based on the life and works of Franz Schubert, blends the charm of romanticized biography with classic operatic traditions. Originally adapted from the German operetta Das Dreimäderlhaus by Heinrich Berté, Lilac Time features a book and lyrics in English by Adrian Ross and maintains Berté’s music adaptations of Schubert’s compositions. Since its debut in London in 1922, the operetta has remained a cherished example of early 20th-century operettas.

The plot of Lilac Time centers on a fictionalized episode in Schubert’s life, focusing on his unrequited love for a young woman named Mitzi Kranz. As Schubert composes music inspired by his emotions, the show illustrates the artist’s internal struggles and dedication to his art, even as his love remains unreturned. Mitzi, though fond of Schubert, falls for his friend Baron Schober, adding a bittersweet layer to the narrative. This central love triangle is enhanced by the music, which adapts several of Schubert’s beloved works, including *Serenade* and *Ave Maria*, giving audiences a familiar yet fresh appreciation for Schubert’s legacy. 

Ross’s lyrics and book effectively bring warmth, humor, and a touch of whimsy to the story. His adaptation is particularly skillful in highlighting the emotional resonance of Schubert's music, creating a seamless blend of narrative and song that resonates with the operatic themes of love and longing. The pastoral setting and characters evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance, mirroring the operettas of earlier European traditions while appealing to English-speaking audiences.

Musically, Lilac Time holds a unique place in the canon of stage works based on a composer’s life. Unlike some musical biopics that invent wholly original scores, Lilac Time draws almost exclusively on Schubert’s compositions, reworking them to fit the operetta format. This approach not only celebrates Schubert’s music but also introduces it to audiences in a format accessible to the casual theatergoer. By pairing Schubert’s works with Ross’s English lyrics, Lilac Time fosters an appreciation for the composer’s artistry beyond the concert hall.

The show’s initial success sparked several revivals throughout the 20th century, underscoring its timeless appeal. Lilac Time exemplifies how the light operetta genre can honor historical figures while providing accessible entertainment, making it a standout piece in the legacy of operettas adapted for the English-speaking stage. Its blend of music, romance, and theatricality ensures Lilac Time endures as a heartfelt homage to Schubert’s enduring artistry.

ISBN   ‎‎ 979-8301213151 

$12.95

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