CASANOVA
Revue at Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin
In 20 magnificent scenes, the show tells the turbulent life of the Italian adventurer and self-proclaimed ladies‘ man, Giacomo Casanova.
Fred Berndt provides the perfect setting for the stage spectacle, transforming the vast stage within seconds from a gambling den into the hedge theater of Fontainebleau Castle or revealing an entire Turkish bathhouse, its water basin fed by a golden cobra, emerging from below. Video projections and laser displays complete the perfect illusion. No expense is spared when it comes to costumes, either. Uta Loher wraps the ladies in resplendent Baroque gowns, crafts opulent sportswear for the fencing school students, and outfits the Venetian Carnival in vibrant colors. The gondolas featuring living figureheads sailing through the canals are also a sight to behold. Overall, the entire production is a veritable feast for the eyes.
The Friedrichstraße theater features four vocal soloists, 23 artists, 60 dancers, and 28 orchestra musicians for the revue. 600 costumes from the Baroque era to modern times can be seen – and, of course, a ballet line of long-legged ladies. The show transports the audience to the Carnival of Venice, a Turkish bath, the French court, and cosmopolitan London, among other places.
Book: Jürgen Nass and Roland Welke
Music: Niclas Ramdohr
Direction: Jürgen Nass
Set Design: Fred Berndt
Conductor: Peter Christian Feigel
Choreography: Kim Duddy
Costumes: Uta Loher
Lighting Design: Franz Peter David
Video Design: Uli Sigg and grosse8