Spoilers can dance if they want to.

Against all odds, there are musicals that make it into Fantasia. This one is going to be rather folkloric even if the theme has received a generous dose of opera, rock and some good ol’ 70s oddness. Do get past the title, since as much there’s mischief and tomfoolery ahead, there’s actually more charm than demonic flavour in this devil’s tale. Prepare the horses, we ride at dawn.

The Devil’s Bride (1974) was directed by Arunas Zebriunas who wrote it with Sigitas Geda. Almighty God has casted the fallen angels from the heaven after they were unable to resist temptation and now they have turn to devils. Amongst is Pinciukas (Gediminas Girdvanis), a rather impish scoundrel that has fallen right onto a windmill owned by the mortal Baltaragis (Vasyl Symchych). But rather than be put to work as Baltaragis intends, the trickster has offer the mortal a deal. The devil offers the hand of the beautiful Marcelé (Vaiva Mainelyte), but in exchange Baltaragis must deliver their firstborn daughter when she is of age to be married to devil himself.

Marcelé passes away shortly after giving birth to Jurga (Vaiva Mainelyte) who grows up to be the spitting image of her mother. Of course there’s always a few complications and Pinciukas has two hurdles in the way. One is the dashing Girdvainis (Regimantas Adomaitis) who has managed to steal Jurga’s heart. The second, is Baltaragis’ own sister Ursule (Regina Varnaite) who Pinciukas gets tricked into marrying first.

This is one is definitely for a niche audience. A rock opera of a folktale and a product of the 70’s but definitely has some charm and humour plus some rather abrupt transitions that end up adding to its quirky flavour. Worth a watch if you’re game for some folk fairy tale told in music and song.

That will do for now.