Szeged National Theater begins rehearsals for Eisemann operetta Me and My Little Brother

NewsCulture

Oct 12

The Szeged National Theater has begun rehearsals for Me and My Little Brother (Én és a kisöcsém), a beloved Hungarian operetta by Mihály Eisemann and László Szilágyi, set to premiere on November 28 as part of the 2025–26 season.

The first table read took place Tuesday, marking the start of preparations for the large-scale musical comedy, which promises “guaranteed entertainment” for audiences, according to the theater. The production features the company’s ballet ensemble and is directed and choreographed by Attila Király.

“This collaboration with the Jászai Mari Theater is an important milestone for any theater, as it ensures a longer stage life for the show,” said General Director László Barnák at the first reading. The production is supported by Hungary’s National Cultural Fund.

Although the Tatabánya-based Jászai Mari Theater has previously staged Me and My Little Brother, Király emphasized that the Szeged version will be a new production with fresh choreography, adapted specifically for the local ensemble. The show will feature live orchestral accompaniment, 1920s-inspired period costumes, and an art deco set design.

The operetta includes 22 musical numbers filled with energetic choreography, humor, and romance. Király — the son of the late Levente Király, one of Szeged’s most celebrated actors and a Kossuth Prize and Jászai Mari Prize laureate, Actor of the Nation (Nemzet Színésze), and honorary member of the Szeged National Theater — said he grew up surrounded by operetta and wants to carry on that joyful spirit. “This production was created simply to bring joy to the audience,” Király said.

Me and My Little Brother is a co-production of the Jászai Mari Theater and the Szeged National Theater.