Who needs a glass slipper and a prince when you have The Merry Widow with a castle full of extravagant wealth? This whimsical Franz Lehár operetta features memorable music, delightful comedy and romance as it follows the tale of a temperamental widow in search of a new husband. Lovers’ crazy trysts, lavish parties, spirited hijinks and political intrigue make this joyful operetta one not to be missed.
(Pictured above & below: Ian Greenlaw & Sylvia Stoner; Photos: Wayne Crosslin)
St. Louis audiences have been treated to The Merry Widow since its 1905 premiere at diverse venues—The MUNY and Opera Theatre St. Louis to name a couple—but Union Avenue Opera, in keeping with its mission statement, presents the first ever original language (German) production in St. Louis.
For a full synopsis of the operetta, please click here.
Familiar faces abound in this Union Avenue Opera production. Soprano Sylvia Stoner—Marguerite in 2004’s Faust—sings Hanna Glawari (the title role). Baritone Ian Greenlaw—Marcello in 2006’s La Bohème—sings Danilo, Hanna’s on-again-off-again suitor. Baritone Scott Levin, seen last year as Dancaïro in Carmen, sings the comic role of Baron Zeta. Also from last year’s Carmen is Soprano Ann Hoyt who sings the role of Valencienne, Zeta’s wife. Tenor Thomas Wazelle makes his UAO debut as Camille de Rosillon, Valencienne’s secret lover. (Hoyt and Wazelle are engaged to be married within a few days of closing night!) Tenor James Harr and Baritone David Dillard round out the cast as Raoul de Saint-Brioche and Vicompte Cascada—diplomats determined to marry Hanna.
Jolly Stewart directs; Scott Schoonover conducts; Designers: Patrick Huber (set/lighting) and Teresa Doggett (costumes).
A free lecture on the operetta will be given opening night (July 31) at 7pm in the Chapel of Union Avenue Christian Church.
Die lustige Witwe ("The Merry Widow") runs July 31, August 1, 7, 8, & 9(m). Performances begin at 8pm, except for a 3pm Matinee on August 9th. Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church located at 733 Union Blvd in St. Louis. Sung in German with projected English supertitles. To purchase tickets or learn more about this production, please visit the Union Avenue Opera Website or call 314.361.2881
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