Franz Lehar - The Merry Widow

Melbourne Opera kicks off its 2011 season with a glamorous new production of Lehar`s ever popular operetta The Merry Widow. With an all-star cast headed by popular soprano (and cabaret star) Ali McGregor and David Rogers-Smith, a great night out is assured with some of the best known melodies of all time including the ever popular Vilia. The acclaimed Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra are conducted by Lehar specialist David Kram and the new production is directed by Hugh Halliday, the director of so many of Melbourne Opera’s hits.

The Merry Widow tells the hilarious story of the desperate attempts by the tiny bankrupt state of Pontevedro to prevent the enormously wealthy Hanna Glawari (the "merry widow") from marrying a foreigner, thereby resulting in the financial collapse of the Duchy. There are numerous pitfalls on the way to Hanna’s happy reunion with the first secretary of the Embassy, the dashing Count Danilo. A smash hit throughout the world, The Merry Widow is packed with highly enjoyable numbers including the great Vilia, beloved of sopranos and audiences everywhere, as well as several of the most popular and romantic waltzes ever written. Book early as this production will sell out.

SUNG IN ENGLISH - Duration: 3 hours, including one interval of 20 minutes, one interval of 10 minutes

Synopsis

Photos by Robin Halls

CAST 1

Hanna Glawari - Ali McGregor
Danilo - David Rogers-Smith
Zeta - Geoff Harris
Valencienne - Lee Abrahmsen
Camille - Roy Best
Kromov - Jerzy Kozlowski
Njegus - David Gould
Bogdanovich - Manfred Pohlenz
St Brioch - Paul Biencourt
Cascada - Simon Meadows
Sylviane - Giuliana D’Appio
Olga - Cheryl Darvidis
Praskovia - Cecily Woodberry
Maitre D’ - Richard Wilson

CAST 2

Hanna Glawari - Dominique Oyston
Danilo - David Rogers-Smith
Zeta - Ian Cousins
Valencienne - Angela Hogan
Camille - Nick Seidenman
Kromov - John Fernon
Njegus - David Gould
Bogdanovich - Manfred Pohlenz
St Brioch - Paul Biencourt
Cascada - Simon Meadows
Sylviane - Angela Lumicisi
Olga - Sarah Somers
Praskovia - Wendy Trent
Maitre D’ - Te Ua Houkamau

Set Designer - Andrew Bellchambers
Costume Designer - Zohie Castellano
Lighting Designer - Scott Allan
Choreographer - Michele Forbes

CHORUS

Richard Wilson
Tim Jaques
Te Ua Houkamau
David Woodberry
Paul Dernelley
Bernie Nolan
Dick Dowling
Roland Seidl
Mark Henderson
Michael Carr
Robert Van Keulen
Catherine Meade
Piera Dennerstien
Alice Woodberry
Sue Halls
Sue Robertson
Jennette Green
Debra O’Connor
Maree Macmillan
Emmie Thompson
Kathy Hatton
Melinda Frith

Synopsis & Director’s Notes