The chocolate soldier
A Comic Opera in Three Acts
Music by Oscar Straus
Book by Stanislaus Stange
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Nadina Popoff, Col. Popoff’s Daughter – Prima Donna Soprano
Aurelia, Her Mother – Character Contralto
Mascha, Aurelia’s cousin – Lyric Soprano
Bumerli, The Chocolate Soldier, Swiss Merceneary in the Employ of the Servian Army – Tenor or High Baritone
Capt. Massakroff, of the Bulgarian Army – Baritone or Bass, Comedy
Col. Kasimir Popoff, of the Bulgarian Army – Lead Comedy Old Man, Baritone
Major Alexius Spiridoff, of the Bulgarian Army – Tenor
Louka & Stephan – Popoff’s Servants
Chorus of Soldiers, Women and Citizens, Girls Boys and Servants.
SYNOPSIS OF SCENES
Act I. Nadina’s Sleeping Apartment in Popoff’s House. Late November 1885. Night
Act II. The Garden of Popoff’s House. Early in May, 1886. Morning
Act III. Same as Act II. Afternoon-Same day.
Argument
Bumerli, a Servian mercenary, in making his escape from the Bulgarians, invades the room of Nadina Popoff, who is engaged to Alexius Spiridoff. He is pursued by soldiers and out of pity Nadina conceals him to escape, lending a coat of Col. Popoff in which is concealed autographed photographs of the mother, daughter, and cousin. Peace is declared and Bumerli pays a visit to Popoff, bringing with him Popoff’s borrowed house coat and the photographs which Bumerli has not removed. Popoff calls for his house coat and the women have an exciting time purloining the photos. They are making preparations for the wedding of Alexius and Nadina – when Massakroff appears and identifies Bumerli as the man who entered Nadina’s room on the night of the escape. Mascha, believing in safety first, gives Alexius the photograph of Nadina which she found in Popoff’s coat. Alexious breaks of his engagement with Nadina and Mascha tries to console him. Alexius challenges Bumerli to a duel but Bumerli succeeds in bluffing him and it is called off.
Bumerli proposes for Nadina’s hand and is accepted. Mascha wheedles Alexius into a proposal and Aurelia succeeds in allaying her husbands suspicions for lending his house coat, and all ends well.
History
After its 1908 premiere in Vienna, The Chocolate Soldier opened on Broadway at the Lyric Theatre on September 13, 1909 and ran 296 performances. It was successfully revived on Broadway six times, most recently in 1947. The 1941 film version staring Nelson Eddy and Rise Stevens kept the some of the score, but replaced the original plot which is based on Shaw’s Arms and the Man. One of the most beloved operettas of all time, The Chocolate Soldier was constantly revived by stock and amateur companies all over the country, but has not been seen regularly in recent decades. Oscar Straus’ score contains the immortal song “My Hero.”
The New York Times:
1909: “a decidedly pleasant evening’s entertainment…is especially distinguished by Straus’ charming music”
1921: “from a musical standpoint nothing in town to compare with Oscar Straus’ melodious score”
1930: “My Hero”…is only one of the many notable tunes that distinguish it and some others are just as tickling to the ear. At this sort of light composition Herr Straus has few living peers-and in that opinion George Gershwin…joined most heartily last night”
1931: “Straus’ music is still gay and humorous and melodically beguiling.”
Orchestration
Flute (doubles Piccolo)
Oboe
Clarinet 1 (in B-flat and A)
Clarinet 2 (in B-flat and A)
Bassoon
Horn 1
Horn 2
Cornet 1
Cornet 2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Percussion (2 Players: Timpani, Chimes, Bells, Snare Drum, Bass Drum & Cymbals, Triangle, Tambourine, Suspended Cymbal)
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Bass
Harp
