The Night Is Young

A talented ballerina who pursues Willy Fitch with a mix of ambition and naive bravado. She reframes her pursuit as patriotism toward her friend Lisl, using romance as leverage to climb social ranks. Her schemes thrust her into a world of power where desire clashes with duty.

Grounded and perceptive, she is engaged to a struggling ballet producer. Lisl finds herself drawn into Paul’s orbit but remains wary of power plays. A real connection with Paul emerges on a night that tests loyalty between love, duty, and ambition.

A stern, duty-bound archduke who expects discretion and order. He contemplates sacrificing his title to marry Lisl, torn between public obligation and private desire. His mood softens briefly when Lisl’s singing reveals warmth behind his stern exterior, yet imperial commands loom.

Paul’s intended wife in the arranged marriage, a conduit for aristocratic alliances. She embodies the social expectations that frame the couple’s lives and the theater of power surrounding them. Her position underscores how personal happiness competes with political duty.

Paul’s valet who orchestrates invitations and quiet consolations. He acts as a gatekeeper within the archduke’s world, shaping the meetings and secrets that drive the plot. His role highlights how service positions maneuver through power dynamics.

A wealthy carriage driver who becomes the focal point of Fanni’s pursuit. His status offers practical advantages and social leverage, placing him at the center of the lovers’ games. He navigates the orbit of nobility with a laid-back charm that contrasts with the political tension around him.

A companion in Lisl’s social sphere who moves through the economy of flirtation and friendship. He witnesses the shifting loyalties and helps maneuver the dynamics between Paul, Lisl, and Fanni. His presence adds another layer of loyalty and risk to the relationships.

The imperial authority whose command drives the plot, insisting that the arranged marriage proceed regardless of personal preference. He embodies duty and public order, shaping the choices available to Paul and Lisl. His decisions create the conditions for the lovers' heartbreak and separation.