Gasparone

Georg Jacoby has directed this version of Millocker's evergreen operetta. Everything gels here and the cast is supremely well-versed in this sort of material. The artistry of Leo Slezak and Elsa Wagner is impeccable and the voices of Edith Schollwer and Johannes Heesters blend perfectly. Heester's chumminess with Hitler is no secret of course but this did not prevent his career continuing unabated and he performed into advanced old age. The recent revelations that Jacoby's wife, the talented, tantalising force of nature that is Marika Rokk may have been a Russian spy adds further spice to the mix. No subtitles alas but the music and the performers should carry you along.