Set against the lush and glittering backdrop of Art Deco Paris, State Opera of South Australia presents one of the most beloved operettas of all time, The Merry Widow, at the Adelaide Festival Centre Theatre from 29 November 2018.
“Adelaide is in for an early Christmas treat,” says State Opera Artistic Director Stuart Maunder. “This is a perfect show for all the family to see together. Whether young or just young at heart – this is a gorgeous romp filled with devilish humour and romantic mischief, and a real song and dance extravaganza”
Acclaimed director and choreographer Graeme Murphy will bewitch audiences weaving his magic in this sumptuous production that is famous for its waltzes and one of the great love duets, Love Unspoken – bringing together the finest talent on and off the stage: Set designs by Michael Scott-Mitchell bring Paris to life – from ballrooms, to summer gardens reminiscent of Monet paintings.
Jennifer Irwin, whose costume designs have been seen as far and wide as The Matrix and the Olympics, fills each scene with shimmering fabrics and glamorous creations. Conducted by Wyn Davies, The Merry Widow is sung in English with a witty new libretto by Justin Fleming.
Franz Lehar’s much loved operetta tells the story of wealthy widow Hanna Glavari – the inadvertent heiress of Pontevedra’s fortune after just eight days of marriage. Fearing the loss of their riches, members of the ‘society set’ are determined that she must wed a local – and soon, before any foreigner catches her gaze. However, Hanna has history with the man they have in mind, and to complicate matters, the widow is not the only one turning heads.
Featuring an all-star Australian cast led by soprano Antoinette Halloran as Hanna and Alexander Lewis as Count Danilo, the production showcases a vast array of local artists including Andrew Turner as the Baron Zeta and Desiree Frahn as his beautiful young wife Valencienne .
“What an absolute pleasure to be working with State Opera under Stuart Maunder’s artistic direction, the ASO and conductor Wyn Davies,” said Graeme Murphy AO. “To our dear audience, I offer a warm invitation to submit to an amazing cast in the service of a timeless musical gem.”
Conductor: Wyn Davies Director & Choreographer: Graeme Murphy Featuring: Antoinette Halloran, Alexander Lewis, Andrew Turner, Desiree Frahn, John Longmuir, Mark Oates, Nicholas Cannon, Norbert Hohl, Deborah Caddy, Adam Goodburn, Jeremy Tatchell, Sarah-Jane Pattichis, Joshua Rowe, Catherine Campbell, State Opera Chorus, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Associate Director & Choreographer: Janet Vernon Set Designer: Michael Scott-Mitchell Costume Designer: Jennifer Irwin Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper Assistant Director & Choreographer: Shane Placentino English Translation: Justin Fleming
The Merry Widow
Festival Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Street, Adelaide
Season: 29 November – 6 December 2018
Bookings: www.bass.net.au
For more information, visit: www.stateopera.com.au for details.
Image: The Merry Widow – courtesy of State Opera of South Australia