While not all the dancers were singers, all the singers were dancers who demonstrated an amazing vocal range.
By GREER FAY CASHMANBudapest Operetta Theater
Jerusalem Theater
November 15
It wasn't a Hungarian rhapsody, but it was a great potpourri of Hungarian variety with a generous dollop of ethnic flavor, a good helping of vaudeville, some wonderful classic overtones, and light-hearted arias.
The near capacity audience at the Jerusalem Theater lapped it up, clapping enthusiastically and singing along with the talented singers, dancers and musicians who make up the Budapest Operetta Theater.
While not all the dancers were singers, all the singers were dancers who demonstrated an amazing vocal range and an enviable ability to move seamlessly from one style of singing (or dancing) to another. The dancers were admirably synchronized and light on their feet regardless of whether they were waltzing, doing the can-can or displaying their prowess in the complicated Hungarian folk dances. But the indisputable star of the show was violin virtuoso Berki Sandor.
A former child prodigy, who played with the gypsy orchestras that are the hallmark of Hungary, Sandor and his mostly string orchestra accompanied all the acts in the show. Sandor also performed several solos including a musical tribute to Israel and the Jewish people in which he made the transition from a haunting Holocaust melody to Jerusalem of Gold.
The Budapest Operetta Theater has annually toured Israel for several years, playing to full houses all over the country.You don't have to be Hungarian to enjoy pure Hungarian entertainment. As it happened the bulk of the audience was Russian, and the program was printed in Russian, Hebrew and English. The fact that Russians who are known to be entertainment mavens enjoyed the show so much as to let out a roar of approval at its conclusion, speaks volumes for its quality.
The Budapest Operetta Theater will be performing each night except Friday from November 17 - 25 inclusive. Venues in chronological order are Tel Aviv, Kfar Saba, Petah Tikva, Rehovot, Haifa, Netanya, Ashkelon and Kiryat Haim. Tickets and further details are available from local ticket agencies.