The Merry Widow

Synopsis

Set in Paris in1905, a three act comedy which includes a can-can at Chez Maxim's. The plot centres around the past love affair between Madame Glavari (the wealthy widow of the title) and Count Danilovitsch - which becomes inextricably entailed with the appalling state of the Pontevedrian economy (they need her cash). Several sub-plots add to the drama - the Ambassador's fondness for young females and his wife's penchant for even younger men - all help to produce an evening of witty songs and lively music.

Our Review:

3 March 2011

The Merry Widow has certainly stood the test of time. Premiering in 1905, it really is a silly old farce, but one that, musically, has charm in abundance and some very entertaining characters.

Set in the impoverished but fictional country of Pontevedro, Stephanie Corley plays the title character who, having inherited a fortune, holds the economic fortunes of the country in her hands. She must not marry a foreigner, otherwise the country will become bankrupt! In typical operatic fashion there are several suitors who all seem to be in love with several other people and the resolution of these romantic entanglements leads the story to its lovely conclusion.

At least, that what I think happens. Unfortunately, and this is highly unusual for Opera North, the diction of both singing and spoken word of the entire cast especially the chorus is so poor and the projection so restrained that the plot is sadly lost. It is a shame because ...

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