For those who, like this writer, have spent
time in Heidelberg, it’s not surprising that this quiet city
at the foot of the old castle and nestled in the gentle Neckar
valley in Germany has inspired so many stories of romance and
adventure. The most famous of these tales is Sigmund Romberg’s
"The Student Prince," based on Rudolf Bleichman’s play
"Old Heidelberg."
With book and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly, "The Student Prince"
was the longest running Broadway show of the 1920s. Beyond that,
MGM made both a silent film in 1927 and a big color musical in
1954, and the show was popular in stock performances through
the late 1950s.
But for the past 40 years it has been largely ignored. Perhaps
in an age when royalty does as it pleases – marrying, divorcing
and carrying on at will – it’s hard to empathize with people
who feel bound by responsibility, and choose duty over love along
with the values of tradition over freedom of the individual.
Yet, "The Student Prince" has much to recommend it,
not least of which is Romberg’s score, filled with marches, drinking
songs and lyric ballads. And the Gallery Players’ revival has
all the earmarks of a huge hit – excellent direction by Michael
Johnson, powerful performances by featured artists Brian Charles
Rooney as Prince Karl, Bonnie Joyce Johnson as his beloved Kathie,
Steve Minow as his tutor Dr. Engle, Kirstie Bingham as Princess
Margaret and Daniel Chavez Jr. as his servant Lutz. There are
also lots of energetic musical numbers from the ensemble.
"The Student Prince" is a romantic operetta without
the fortuitous twists that give Gilbert and Sullivan their happy
endings. Prince Karl is the crown prince of Karlsberg. While
he is attending the University of Heidelberg, he falls in love
with Kathie, a waitress at the local tavern. Despite his royal
lineage, the prince becomes one of the boys, swilling beer and
serenading his ladylove with songs like "Deep In My Heart."
Then the king dies and the prince must return to assume the throne
and marry his betrothed, Princess Margaret. Despite her sumptuous
beauty (and her beautiful voice) Prince Karl cannot forget the
more simple attractions of the lowly born and bred (but equally
melodious) woman who waits for him in Heidelberg.
Prince Karl returns for a brief reunion with his old friends
and girlfriend but finds that time has passed and lives have
changed. The dreams of youth have given way to the harsh realities
of being grown up.
Rooney’s boyish good looks, obvious sincerity and smooth voice
make him a natural for the student prince. Chavez has a lot of
fun as his exact opposite, a snooty and effeminate snob who waves
his arms, holds his nose, pouts and prances on and off stage
in mock horror.
Likewise, the prince’s two women provide a nice lesson in contrast,
with Johnson playing the innocent and pure Kathie and Bingham
playing the worldly and sophisticated Princess Margaret. In the
end, however, both prove themselves worthy of the prince’s love.
The behind-the-scenes expertise supporting "The Student
Prince" is also formidable.
Costume designer Abby Taylor Smith has outdone herself in the
sheer variety of the gowns and morning coats of her royalty.
Her ability to capture the times and tenor of the story is impressive.
Joel Rapp’s scenic design consists of a set of panels that fold
in to turn the Palace of Karlsberg into the inn at Heidelberg
and the rooms of the prince. This allows for quick and fluid
scene changes that are a pleasure to watch.
These days, when we see college boys carousing in bars, we wonder
if they’re all of drinking age and whether or not there’s a designated
driver. And when boy meets girl and declares his love, we hope
he’s well instructed in safe sex. But there’s something in us
that still yearns for the days when love and youth could be presented
– at least on the stage – in all its pristine glory.
"The Student Prince" is unashamedly from another time.
A time no more innocent and no less tragic, but perhaps much
less cynical. The Gallery Players take their audiences on a delightful
trip back to that time.
"The Student Prince" plays
through Nov. 11, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 3
pm. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and children under 12. The Gallery
Players theater is located at 199 14th St. For reservations,
call (718) 595-0547.