(A Waltz Dream) is an operetta by Oscar Straus with a German libretto by and , based on the novella (Nux, the Prince Consort) by Hans Müller-Einigen from his 1905 book (Book of Adventures). The young Jacobson presented Straus with a libretto for Ein Walzertraum at a coffee house in the Vienna Prater in 1906. Straus was inspired by the text and completed the work within 12 months for its premiere in spring 1907. Performance history It premiered on 2 March 1907 at the Carltheater in Vienna. English adaptations Following the success of the operetta in Vienna, productions of the work, under the name A Waltz Dream, were mounted in English for premieres at the Chestnut Street Opera House in Philadelphia on 6 January 1908, in New York City at the now-demolished Broadway Theatre on 27 January 1908 (with an English libretto adapted by Joseph W. Herbert), and in London on 7 March 1908 at the Hicks Theatre (adapted by Basil Hood, with lyrics by Adrian Ross, starring Gertie Millar, W. H. Berry and later Robert Evett, Jessie Broughton and Arthur Williams). Lily Elsie and Amy Evans starred in the 1911 revival at Daly's Theatre. The international success of the operetta exceeded Straus's expectations, and special praise was reserved for the famous waltz theme from act 2. Straus later arranged various numbers from the operetta and included the graceful main waltz theme into a new concert waltz. The piece made Straus's international reputation, touring internationally after the Vienna, New York and London runs and enjoying many revivals. Cyril Ritchard made his debut in the chorus at age 19 when this work was performed in 1917 at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, Australia. Among more modern productions, in 1991 Ohio Light Opera produced the work, and in 1992 Light Opera Works of Illinois mounted a production. Roles Synopsis Act 1 In the fictional state of Rurislavenstein, the scene opens in the glittering and the splendour of the Prunksaal des Schlosses Hall of the Prince of Flausenthurn. Princess Helene and Lieutenant Niki of the Army had earlier became lovers and soon were married in the splendid hall whereupon the father of the Princess, Joachim, made Niki the heir to his throne. In spite of this, Lieutenant Niki appeared to be sceptical of the prospect of being a Prince as it was not financially beneficial nor does it come with the elevated status which