November 1, 2 and 3, 2024
Jane Mallett Theatre, Toronto Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St E
Romberg’s THE STUDENT PRINCE premiered on Broadway at the 59th Street Theatre on December 2, 1924, and became the longest-running show of the 1920s. TOT celebrates this musical milestone with a new production on November 1, 2, and 3, 2024 at the St. Lawrence Centre. The tunes are endless – ‘The Drinking Song’, ‘Serenade’, ‘Deep in My Heart’ and ‘Golden Days’ among others. And we all shed a tear for our star-crossed lovers – Kathie and Prince Karl Franz – as they move from the idealism of young love to the realities of adulthood.
Sigmund Romberg came to New York in 1909 in the first wave of East Europeans immigrating to ‘the New World’ at the dawn of the 20th century. A gifted pianist, young Romberg had attended university in Vienna where he studied composition and engineering. However, his skills were only moderately appreciated when he arrived in America and his first job was in a pencil factory. He graduated from pencils to playing piano in cafes and bars – most famously Delmonico’s Steak House at 2 William Street in lower Manhattan – where he mixed his tunes with the pop hits of the day. The Schubert Brothers came calling and soon he found success as a composer for Al Jolson and the Schubert’s series of revues called The Passing Parade. THE STUDENT PRINCE premiered in 1924 and his lasting fame was assured.
Announcing TOT New Prince Karl Franz of Karlsberg
Xavier Flory is an emerging tenor, whose recent and upcoming engagements include Belmonte in Die Entführung ausdem Serail (Maryland), Tamino in Die Zauberflöte (Toronto), Macduff in Macbeth (Virginia, USA), Ernesto in Don Pasquale (Toronto), Rodolfo in La Bohème (Virginia, and Lieder recitals in Prague and New York. He started his singing career as a soprano soloist with the Vienna Boys Choir, where he sang over 200 performances, including dozens of performances at the Wiener Staatsoper, and as Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel on tour across China and Germany. He has a double PhD in Political Theory from Columbia University and Sciences Po Paris.
About Toronto Operetta Theatre
The Toronto Operetta Theatre (TOT) is a vibrant performing arts company dedicated to celebrating the timeless allure of operetta, presenting a range of classic and contemporary works that blend music, comedy, and drama. Since its founding in 1985, TOT has showcased both well-loved operettas and rare gems, bringing international flair and artistic excellence to Toronto audiences. Known for its intimate productions, TOT offers a unique opportunity to experience operetta’s captivating stories and lush melodies up close, with each performance featuring talented Canadian and international artists. TOT’s annual season includes a diverse repertoire that appeals to both opera enthusiasts and new audiences, solidifying its place as a cherished cultural gem in the city.
