La del manojo de rosas

This production of La del Manojo de Rosas, directed by Emilio Sagi, returns as a modern classic of the Spanish lyrical repertoire. With music by Pablo Sorozábal and a libretto by Anselmo C. Carreño and Francisco Ramos de Castro, this zarzuela has become one of the most beloved works among audiences, thanks to its freshness, humor, and heartwarming portrayal of 1930s Madrid. Since its premiere in 1990, this version has toured theaters across Spain and even reached audiences in Rome and Paris, consistently earning praise from both critics and the public. Sagi’s stage direction masterfully captures the popular and sentimental spirit of the sainete, updating its aesthetics without losing its essence. Set in a working-class Madrid neighborhood, the story centers on Ascensión and Clarita, two young, independent, and strong-willed women who embody the emergence of female agency during a time of social change. Through their voices and choices, the piece reflects a society in transformation, where Sorozábal’s music—full of poetry, charm, and emotion—becomes the soul of a story that feels both intimate and universal. With a new cast and under the musical direction of Guillermo García Calvo, this production once again moves audiences with the same power it did three decades ago. La del Manojo de Rosas is not only a tribute to Republican-era Madrid, but also a celebration of zarzuela as a living art form—one that continues to evolve and touch hearts generation after generation.