Jen Pitt, stage director; Patrick Furrer, conductor; Joachim Schamberger, director of opera; Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra
Count Danilo’s family had forbidden him to marry the beautiful but impoverished Hanna, although they adored each other. Now, circumstance has made her the richest widow in Pontevedro, but the Count hesitates to declare his love, fearing Hanna will think he is only interested in her new fortune. What’s a “Merry Widow” to do? This staging takes Franz Lehár’s ravishing melodies to a world of parties, fantasy, intrigue, and illusion in present-day Paris, where all is not as it seems. Performed in German; new dialogues by Jen Pitt in English.
This production includes the use of strobe lights and haze.
Run time: Approximately 110 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Cost: Tickets are $18 for the general public and $8 for students with valid ID.