On October 20, at the Kálmán Imre Cultural Center (Kálmán Imre Kulturális Központ), Sarolta Dobray’s novel Glass Wall (Üvegfal) comes to life as a live musical reading. Told from both Léna’s and Péter’s perspectives, the story gradually reveals their downward-spiraling marriage, exposing the reality of emotional abuse at its core. The audience is drawn into the cycle—why does Péter act this way, and why does Léna endure it? What drives their intense, dizzying dance: love, hope, or just its bleak opposite? Are our romantic choices ever truly under our control, or do we blindly stumble into disaster? Starring Dorka Gryllus and Kornél Simon, with direction by Attila Soós and music by Kornél Simon, this stage adaptation delves into the uncomfortable truths of intimacy. After the show, a meet-and-greet with author Sarolta Dobray takes place at 7:30 pm.
Operetta Royalty Takes Its Final Bow
On October 24 at 7:00 pm, the legendary operetta Queen of the Gypsy Dance (Csárdáskirálynő) returns to the Kálmán Imre Cultural Center (Kálmán Imre Kulturális Központ), staged by the Róbert Rátonyi Theatre (Rátonyi Róbert Színház). The famous Szilvia Vereczky gives her farewell performance at the orpheum, while young prince Edwin is determined to follow her to America. The family, scheming to marry Edwin off to Countess Stázi, enlists Lieutenant Rohnsdorf with military conscription orders just to separate the couple. Edwin, not easily outmaneuvered, brings in a notary and promises to wed Szilvia within eight weeks. Enter Count Bóni, waving a wedding invitation fresh from Rohnsdorf, and the tangled web keeps spinning. Love, tradition, manipulation—it’s pure operetta with all the intrigue and melody you expect.
Is Money the Root of Happiness?
On October 25, Péter Janklovics brings his one-man comedy show to Hotel Azúr for another evening of Comedy Theater (Dumaszínház). His set, titled Salary Obligates – Life Is Elsewhere (A bér kötelez – Az élet máshogy van), explores the very shaky ground between wealth and happiness. Are they really connected, or do they exist on totally separate planets? While guaranteed answers are in short supply, a barrage of clever questions—and laughs—definitely isn’t. Ticket prices are determined by demand, so prepare for some market-driven surprises.
Jávor’s Final Act: Comebacks and Regrets
Also on October 25 at the Kálmán Imre Cultural Center (Kálmán Imre Kulturális Központ), Pozsgai Zsolt’s Jávor’s Dawns (Jávor hajnalai) pays tribute to legendary Hungarian actor Pál Jávor (Jávor Pál), staged as a two-part musical play. Set in May 1959 after hours at Budapest’s Kamara Varieté, the story follows four dawns and four fresh starts. Jávor and his wife Olga have just returned from America; sober and reconciled with his faith, Jávor is trying—struggling—to rebuild. Age, health issues, and fading memory are closing in. He gets roles out of respect but can’t keep up on stage. Even as lucrative contracts come in that don’t require actual performances, his pride refuses to let him coast. With songs sung in the dawn hours of the varieté, the show aims to resurrect the persona and legacy of Jávor for new and old fans alike. The cast features award-winners Tibor Szolnoki and Andrea Zsadon, among others.
Battle of the Sexes: Now With More Show Tunes
On October 26, the Róbert Rátonyi Theatre (Rátonyi Róbert Színház) presents Darling, Give Me a Little Leave (Asszonykám, adj egy kis kimenőt) at the Kálmán Imre Cultural Center (Kálmán Imre Kulturális Központ). This playful mix of operetta and cabaret centers on the eternal contradictions between men and women. “While a woman dreams of adventurous safety, the man craves safe adventure.” Audiences get a taste of everything: heated arguments followed by sweet reconciliations, dramatic quarrels with a dose of fun, and a parade of classic Hungarian hits by icons like Imre Kálmán (Kálmán Imre) and Ferenc Lehár. Whether you’re on team “eternal mystery” or team “never-ending conflict,” this musical rollercoaster has something for everyone.
Classic Puppets, Timeless Lessons
For families, on November 22, the Ametist Puppet Theater brings the beloved Mazsola and Tádé (Mazsola és Tádé) to the Kálmán Imre Cultural Center (Kálmán Imre Kulturális Központ) at 10:30 am. Generations grew up on the adventures of the mischievous piglet and his friends, created by Ágnes Bálint. Kids relate to Mazsola’s clumsy joys and sorrows, while parents can’t help but smile at Manócska’s gentle, wise problem-solving. If you remember the pumpkin house from TV, bring your own children or grandchildren for this musical story brought to life by Vera Bródy’s puppets and László Pivarnyik’s music. Best for ages 2 to 7, running 60 minutes.
Benefit Fraud Madness, With a Hungarian Twist
Coming March 1, 2026: Michael Cooney’s Guess Who Lives Here?! (Nicsak, ki lakik itt?!), staged at the Kálmán Imre Cultural Center (Kálmán Imre Kulturális Központ). This zany two-act comedy follows Róbert Szűcs, a Hungarian in London who’s had enough of scamming the system—unemployment, pensions, sick pay, family allowances, disability, not to mention free cow’s milk and a side hustle selling nursing bras that’s making his wife jealous. Wanting to shed these fraudulent benefits (not his wife or his freedom!), he soon discovers that giving up illegal handouts is harder than getting them. The Bánfalvy Studio production features a stellar cast, including Izabella Varga, Ganxsta Zolee, Anna Bugár, and Ferenc Hujber, taking you on a wild, absurd trip through bureaucracy, lies, and the impossible art of walking away from free money.
