The Student Prince

A Musical Play

Book and Lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly

The Classic Sigmund Romberg Operetta

Sigmund Romberg’s operetta The Student Prince, with a libretto by Dorothy Donnelly, is one of the most cherished works in the American operetta tradition. Premiering on Broadway in 1924, The Student Prince quickly gained popularity for its memorable melodies, heartfelt story, and its deft handling of themes like youthful romance, duty, and the contrast between individual desires and societal expectations. This enduring operetta highlights Romberg’s melodic brilliance, combined with Donnelly’s keen storytelling skills, to create a captivating tale of love and sacrifice.

The story follows Prince Karl Franz, heir to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Karlsberg. Sent to study at the University of Heidelberg, he finds himself in a lively and carefree environment far removed from his formal and duty-bound life at court. Amid the camaraderie of fellow students and the charm of tavern life, Karl Franz falls in love with Kathie, a warm-hearted barmaid. Their love, innocent yet intense, allows Karl Franz to explore a world of freedom and joy he has never experienced. However, as his royal obligations catch up with him, he faces a difficult choice between love and duty. Ultimately, his responsibility to his country and his family forces him to abandon Kathie, ending their romance with a sense of poignant realism and maturity.

Donnelly’s libretto skillfully balances the operetta's comedic moments with its more serious themes. Her dialogue and lyrics capture the joy of student life while subtly examining the pressures of nobility and the sacrifices required of royalty. Donnelly allows the characters to express genuine emotions, making their struggles relatable and their experiences universal.

The operetta’s universal themes, coupled with its captivating score, have kept The Student Prince in the hearts of audiences for nearly a century, reaffirming its place as a classic in the repertoire of musical theater and operetta.

 ISBN 979-8302944146 

$12.95

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