Véronique (operetta)
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Véronique is a French operetta in three acts composed by André Messager in 1898, with a libretto by Albert Vanloo and Georges Duval. It was produced in Paris in 1898, Vienna in 1900, in London's Apollo Theatre in 1904 (enjoying a run there of 496 performances) and in New York in 1905. It also toured in Britain, America and throughout Europe and much of the world. The London production was produced by George Edwardes and had an English adaptation by Henry Hamilton and lyrics by Lilian Eldée, with alterations and additions by Percy Greenbank. It starred Rosina Brandram, Scott Russell, and Isabel Jay. A French film of the operetta was made in 1949.
The work is Messager's greatest international success in the field of operetta.
[edit] Synopsis
Viscount Florestan, a dashing, but impoverished and feckless young aristocrat inParis is about to enter into an arranged marriage with Hélène, a wealthy heiress from the provinces. The heiress happens to overhear the young man complaining about his fate to his most recent mistress, the owner of a flower shop. The heiress obtains a job at the shop under an assumed name, Véronique, in order to get back at the Vicomte. Various complications ensue. The wandering bridegroom-to-be and the supposed shopgirl spend a day on the town, which includes taking a donkey ride and then on a swing, and fall in love. He is surprised to meet "Véronique" at the altar. In the end, the financially-challenged aristocrat and the spunky heiress end up happily in each other's arms.
[edit] Reference
The Play An Illustrated Monthly, London. Vol 1 no. 2, June 1904. This issue is devoted to the first London production of Véronique, at the New Apollo Theatre. pp. 26-52. It includes illustrations of the production, the cast and sets. Several musical numbers are printed.[1]
