Well, Badisches Staatstheater is not the best opera house in architecture, as so many post war buildings in Germany aren't. But what's on offer is world class actually, the orchestra is impeccable, the staging very creative and tasteful, and the staff friendly and 'badisch', a unique German slang one has to get used to...
Went to Wagners Walküre March 4th and had a blast! Staging was awesome, lots of scene changes and magnificent world class singers, not to forget the orchestra, too.
If you go here in a tuxedo and bow tie you'll be watched strangely, as crowd mostly consists of grey dressed federal state workers who tend to dress not to make a scene, quite boring actually. Not much eye candy. But the food and drinks are very good, caterer is excellent and I highly recommend to order in advance to get your drinks and food on a reserved table during breaks, saves you the lines!!! And you got more time for the loo ;-)
After 5 hours of Wagner met with one of the singers in their casino down in the basements of this theater and had a blast! What a nice crowd and party, they really love their jobs and it shows!!! Wish it were like that in every day life!