The Merry Widow

Music by Franz Lehár

Lyrics by Victor Léon and Leo Stein

Synopsis

The Merry Widow is set in the fictional Balkan principality of Pontevedro. The story revolves around Hanna Glawari, a wealthy widow whose late husband left her a fortune. The Pontevedrian ambassador in Paris, Baron Zeta, is desperate to ensure Hanna marries a fellow Pontevedrian to keep her wealth within the country and save it from financial ruin. He schemes to pair her with Count Danilo, a charming but carefree diplomat who has a history with Hanna. As the story unfolds, Hanna and Danilo navigate their unresolved feelings for each other amidst a backdrop of lavish parties, misunderstandings, and comedic intrigue. Ultimately, love triumphs as Hanna and Danilo reconcile, and the financial crisis is averted.

Characters

  • Hanna Glawari (lead)
  • Count Danilo Danilovitch (lead)
  • Valencienne (supporting)
  • Camille de Rosillon (supporting)
  • Baron Mirko Zeta (supporting)
  • Njegus (featured_ensemble)
  • Cascada (featured_ensemble)
  • Raoul de St. Brioche (featured_ensemble)
  • Praskowia (featured_ensemble)
  • Sylviane (featured_ensemble)

Musical Numbers

  • Introduction
  • Vilja Song
  • Da geh' ich zu Maxim (You'll Find Me at Maxim's)
  • Es lebt' eine Vilja, ein Waldmägdelein (Vilja Song - Reprise)
  • Wie eine Rosenknospe (Like a Rosebud)
  • Lippen schweigen (Merry Widow Waltz)
  • Ja, das Studium der Weiber ist schwer (Women Are Hard to Study)
  • Finale Act II
  • Finale Act III