Work of the Week – Gerd Natschinski: Messeschlager Gisela

A witty play about fashion and mutual appreciation: Messeschlager Gisela (“Trade Fair Sensation Gisela”) by Gerd Natschinski celebrates its premiere at the Komische Oper Berlin on 8 June 2024. The operetta can be seen in the tent at the Rotes Rathaus. The witty production is by Axel Ranisch, with Adam Benzwi as musical director. The title role of Gisela is played by the well-known satire artist Gisa Flake. 

Messeschlager Gisela is a prime example of cheerful musical theatre in the German Democratic Republic of the 1960s. Economic upturn, optimism and a certain elegance characterised the mood in both parts of Germany at the time. These themes can be found in Jo Schulz's delightfully comic libretto, but also in the music. Natschinski chose styles from all musical genres and created a mixture of revue and operetta. The success was overwhelming: the premiere at the Metropol Theatre in Berlin was celebrated by the press, followed by 25 further performances on the stages of the GDR. 

Messeschlager Gisela by Gerd Natschinski: an Opereretta Lika a Music Fair

The plot shows panic in the fashion company "Berliner Schick": Company boss and designer Robert Kuckuck has masses of goods produced, but hardly anyone wants to wear them. Kuckuck urgently needs an eye-catcher for the upcoming fashion fair in Leipzig – a "trade fair sensation" is needed! But then there's the down-to-earth employee Gisela, who journalist Fred Funke also has his eye on. It's not the design from the executive floor, but Gisela's that ultimately becomes the coveted trade fair hit in Leipzig. Their success shows that respectful interaction produces the best ideas, no matter where they originate. 

With his libretto, Jo Schulz has wittily and humorously tapped into the production life of our time and written an entertaining story which, with its [...] allusions and gags, provides fuel for the laughter muscles and at the same time forms an excellent framework for musical ingredients. [...] The setting by Gerd Natschinski, who was able to utilise his rich experience in entertainment and dance music for his debut as an operetta composer, created melodious, well-constructed songs, couplets, duets and ensembles and, above all, knows how to orchestrate them in a sparkling and effective way, is highly enjoyable. (Neue Zeit / Christian Democratic Union, October 1960)

The Komische Oper Berlin will be performing Messeschlager Gisela in a total of twelve performances in the Spiegelzelt at the Rotes Rathaus until 7 July 2024. 

Further Reading:

Gerd Natschinski: Composer Profile

Messeschlager Gisela: Work Details and Online Score

Website Komische Oper Berlin

illustration: Adobe / ND STOCK