BWVP PRESENTS:  THE MERRY WIDOW
Music by Franz Lehár
Libretto by Viktor Léon and Leo Stein
Friday, March 22, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 23, at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 24, at 3:00 p.m.
Gamble Auditorium, Kulas Musical Arts Building

Romance, clandestine affairs, and turn of the 20th century Parisian opulence whirl along to Lehár’s lush and sweeping score featuring can-cans, galops, and glorious waltzes. Dozens of suitors pursue Hanna Glawari, the ultra-wealthy young widow from the province of Pontevedro. To save the struggling country from financial ruin, the Ambassador Baron Zeta must thwart the many international politicians seeking Hannah’s hand and ensure that she marries a Pontevedrian. Zeta enlists the help of Hannah’s ex-lover, the Pontevedran Count Danilo, but he is too proud to marry Hannah for her money. Misunderstandings and comic intrigue ensue when it is revealed that the Baron’s wife, Valencienne, is having an affair with the French Count, Camille de Rosillon. Hanna steps in to save the married lady’s reputation. When Hanna claims that it is she who intends to marry Camille, the Pontevedrians despair, but will Danilo confess his true feelings in hopes of reuniting with Hannah?

Performed with the BWSO. Sung in English.
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours