Having previously done Don Giovanni and The Flying Dutchman , Herbert Fritsch is back at the Komische Oper Berlin with German pop icon Herbert Grönemeyer, joining forces in an opulent, hilarious, absurd, and witty farce based on Eugène Labiche’s mistaken-identity comedy The Italian Straw Hat!The horse of the rich idler Fadinard cheekily eats Madame Beauperthuis’s straw hat while she’s enjoying herself in the woods with the policeman Tavernier. Although it doesn’t seem particularly tragic at first, this equine snack has dramatic consequences. Because if Madame goes home without her hat, her jealous husband will learn about her secret liaison with the policeman! The red-handed lovers immediately demand a replacement hat. So—on the very day of his own wedding—Fadinard rushes all over Paris in search of an identical straw hat. His efforts are repeatedly thwarted, and not just by his own bumbling family. The constant presence of Madame Beauperthuis, who wants to make sure he keeps his promise, in turn arouses the jealousy of his bride Hélène. And then, not only does the cuckolded husband show up, but also the policeman Tavernier who’s itching for a duel—thus completing the imbroglio.

Directing Eugène Labiche’s fast-paced comedy is Herbert Fritsch, with German musician Herbert Grönemeyer returning to his theatrical roots by composing a cheerful, at times heart-rending work for a large ensemble, involving actors, opera singers, choir, and orchestra. It’s huge fun with a doubly unmistakable Herbertian signature!

BY THE WAYThere’s even more Herbert Fritsch on 29 November, with the season’s second symphony concert!