Final applause

Will Lugner’s farewell put an end to society life?

Richard Lugner played Punch and Judy, but was a society lion.

(Bild: Tischler Andreas/Andreas Tischler / Vienna Press)

After Richard Lugner's final applause, the Society Theater is slowly facing a veritable personnel problem. New figures and characters are hard to come by. Big names are missing. Why is that? Experts pinpoint the reasons.

The funeral was Richard Lugner's last major appearance. It was conducted by Toni Faber (62). The cathedral priest was at Mörtel's side for 20 years: he blessed his way through various birthdays and business openings. He even liked to be in the spotlight. Yet only five percent of his flock are prominent, as he preaches. "Advertising for God," Faber explains his mission. "I also provide pastoral care at the Opera Ball." In a pastor's dress shirt by designer Venturini and shoes by Ambrosio. The cathedral priest himself is part of "Hi Society!". With Richard Lugner and Niki Lauda, who had died five years earlier, he was now laying an era to rest (incidentally, Niki Nazionale was also applauded in front of the cathedral).