Hi, all --

We are planning our second trip to Budapest. Our first was 2012. We loved it, but it's taken a while to make a return. We're planning for April.

Being musical/operetta fans, the #1 attraction to Budapest is musical theater. The frustration is the same as last time: Theaters do not announce their programs

very far in advance. That means we have to book a hotel and get plane tickets before we know what show's we'll see. So we pay for airfare and hotel, and hope for the best. It paid off in 2012: we saw four shows, most of which were on our short list. So, I'll keep a close eye on ticket availability, particularly http://operettszinhaz.hu/.

Can anyone offer tips or leads on what they're likely to be performing -- and picking dates?

Based on performances so far this season, the likely candidates would be:

Ferenc Lehár - Luxemburg grófja - Count of Luxembourg
Menyasszonytánc - Jávori Ferenc Fegya The Wedding Dance -- probably #1 priority
István, a király - Rock opera about King Stephen. Probably want to see this.
Earlier in the season I note performances of Csardas Princess, Duchess of Chicago, Carousel/Liliom, Lili báróno
Definitely skip Broadway/west end shows.

Other shows I know little or nothing about:
Dorian Gray
A Pendragon-legenda (does not appear to be about King Arthur);
John the Valiant

Request/discussion --
1. Any comments on which shows are worth seeing?
2. We're interested in finding live music -- like at a restaurant or bar, as opposed to theaters. I find quite a few listed. Recommendations? Ruin bars would be of interest. Music types: gyspy, operetta, klezmer
3. Hotel recommendations? We stayed at Hapimag last time, and liked it very much -- but this time we'll be seeing mostly Pest, while Hapimag is on Castle Hill, and not all that convenient.
4. Any good links to libretti or recordings we could study before traveling?

thank you for your help
Kurt Erichsen 2020-01-15