IN the 1905 FRANZ LEHAR operetta THE MERRY WIDOW a playboy is ordered to marry a rich widow to save his country from bankruptcy.
Set in glittering turn-of-the-century Paris, the operetta was an instant hit when it premiered in Vienna because it dared to treat the subject of love affairs realistically.
Its English translation continues to be one of the world's most performed operettas.
The OPERA HUNTER production of The Merry Widow will be performed at the Griffith Duncan Theatre this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7.30pm, with a 1.30pm matinee on Sunday.
It will be performed again next week on Friday, July 30, Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 at 7.30pm, with a 1.30pm matinee on Sunday, August 1.
Director FAY SHARP describes The Merry Widow as 'an erotic story', with an 'electric charge' between the widow Hanna (PATRICIA RHODES pictured right) and playboy Danilo (ANDREW COOMBES). Many of the songs in the score, such as VILIA, THE MERRY WIDOW WALTZ and I'M GOING TO MAXIMS were considered bold and risque for their time.
The cast includes ROBERT HICKEY (pictured left), JOHN DICKESON, DAVID BERKHOLZ, JOANNA CASHIN, PETER BROCK, ANGELA LEWIS, ALAN BROOKS, KIM REES and RICHARD BROWN. MICHAEL BELL is musical director and BRONWYN WHITE is choreographer.
Tickets are $20 and $16.50 concession, available from Lathams stores, Macleans Bookstore in Hamilton, Pepperina Books and Coffee and The Antique Coffee Shop in Newcastle. TE
|
