"Krone" commentary

Opera Ball mania: Who will be Lugner’s successor …

The 67th Opera Ball will take place on February 27. For the first time without building tycoon Richard Lugner.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Katharina Schiffl, Alexander Tuma)

Entire generations of fans of the ball of balls have come to know it without Richard Lugner. While it used to be attended by crowned heads and real high society, Hollywood moved into the first house on the Ring with the master builder. With success: there were even times when Mörtel was regarded as the (unofficial) organizer of state power in our neighbouring countries - and at times, to be honest, he acted like it - together with his entourage, the hard core of which is his daughter Jacqueline.

Because technically, her mother Christina "Mausi" Lugner is "only" wife number 4, while wife number 6, Simone Lugner, will be doing her own thing at the State Opera today anyway. The only thing missing is wife number 5, Cathy Lugner. But by all accounts, the Lugners don't miss her. Oh yes, the affectionate antipathy is probably mutual.

During a visit to the hairdresser, I was asked the question: "Who will be the new Lugner now?" "No one" was my answer, plain and simple. Why? Sometimes you just have to let things stand for themselves in their solitary splendor.

And who knows, maybe after Hollywood, crowned heads and real high society will finally make an appearance at our beloved Opera Ball ...