Event

The Merry Widow

A dazzling new production of Franz Lehar's classic operetta about a wealthy widow and her countrymen's attempt to keep her money in the principality by finding her the right husband

The Merry Widow (Die Lustige Witwe) had its premiere at Vienna's Theater an der Wien in 1905. The operetta, which tells the story of a wealthy widow and her countrymen's attempt to keep her money in the principality by finding her the right husband was a major success for its composer Franz Lehár (1870-1948) and quickly travelled to London and became a major Broadway sensation. Often called 'The Queen of Operettas', this is certainly the most celebrated and successful show of its kind ever written. The melodies and songs - "Vilja," "The Merry Widow Waltz" or "You'll Find Me At Maxim's," to name but a few - are lovingly played and sung the whole world over. Combined with the frivolous Paris-set story line they make the operetta a sure box-office attraction. Frequently staged in an abridged version, this production from the Staatsoper Dresden features many musical numbers that are usually omitted. With Petra-Maria Schnitzer and Bo Skovhus the cast includes some of the most prestigious singers of the younger generation under the expert leadership of conductor Manfred Honeck. This staging by the famous opera director Jérôme Savary makes The Merry Widow a very colorful and a subtle tribute to the golden age of Hollywood.

From the Semperoper Dresden, Conductor: Manfred Honeck Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden

In German with English subtitles, Running time: 143 minutes

Starring: Petra-Maria Schnitzer, Bo Skovhus, Lydia Teuscher, Gunther Emmerlich
Directed for Stage by Jérôme Savary,
Director: Don Kent, Produced by: EuroArts Music, in co-production with ZDF/ARTE