On July 17, 2025, Szigliget brings to life the glamour and intrigue of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy with Sissi, the Hungarian Queen (Sissi, magyar királyné) – Huszka Jenő’s beloved operetta. Set against the charming backdrop of Kisfaludy Street (Kisfaludy utca), the stage transforms into a world of unforgettable melodies, opulent costumes, and passionate romance. This two-act journey through time twists history and heartstrings, blending humor, heartbreak, and rousing choruses for an immersive theatrical experience.
Forbidden Love in the Habsburg Court
At its core, the operetta follows the rumored, unproven yet legendary love story between Queen Elisabeth (Sissi) and Count Gyula Andrássy, future foreign minister of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. National sentiment and personal desire collide as political restraints prevent the lovers from anything more intimate than a single, longing kiss. Still, their bond, fueled by mutual admiration, plays a vital role in advancing the historic Austro-Hungarian Compromise. The show explores not only Sissi and Andrássy’s passionate but doomed attraction, but also colorful subplots: an Austrian man fascinated by Hungarian culture finds love with a bride-to-be from Burgenland, while a Hungarian revolutionary finally reunites with his childhood sweetheart, now a lady-in-waiting at court.
A Decade of Operetta Magic
The Monarchia Operetta (Monarchia Operett) company—founded over 10 years ago and led by the multi-talented Péter Erik Kollár—brings its signature blend of world-class vocalists, energetic dancers, intricate choreography, and dazzling stage visuals once again to Hungarian audiences. Their shows, famous both at home and on tour in the US, Israel, Germany, Luxembourg, Transylvania, and Russia, breathe new life into the operetta tradition, making every performance a true spectacle.
Music to Stir the Soul
The current adaptation condenses the original three-act score into a tighter, two-act format that preserves Huszka Jenő’s spirit. The production features beautifully set poems like At the End of September (Szeptember végén) and Freedom and Love (Szabadság, szerelem), along with haunting songs such as Poor Hungarian People (Szegény magyar nép). Audiences will also recognize hits like Mirage on the Hortobágy (Délibábos Hortobágyon), My Little Blooming Rose (Rózsám, viruló kis rózsám), From Today I Live Only for You (Én mától kezdve csak terólad), and In Csík-Csicso (Csík-csicsóban), along with lively polkas and dazzling ballroom scenes.
Stellar Cast and Crew
Expect a star-studded lineup: Viktória Denk as Sissi, Dániel Árvai as Andrássy, and the operetta queen herself, Marika Oszvald, as Countess Waldeck (Waldeck grófnő). The dynamic supporting cast features Ágota Dezső, Bence Nagy, Anna Török, Péter Erik Kollár, Károly Peller/Gábor Jenei, and László Egri, backed by the Monarchia Operetta orchestra and dance ensemble. The visual world is crafted by set designer Tamás Rákay, costumes by Péter Erik Kollár, musical direction by Antal Kéménczy, choreography by Edina Szkáli, and direction by Gábor Miklós Kerényi (Kero®).
Get your ticket to this dazzling journey into Sissi’s world—one night only, July 17, 2025, in Szigliget!
