Academy Opera: The Merry Widow

The Merry Widow is an operetta composed by Franz Lehár. The story revolves around Hanna Glawari, a wealthy widow from the Balkan province of Pontevedro. Ambassador Baron Zeta is anxious that when Hanna re-marries, it should be to a Pontevedrian and not a Frenchman, to keep her money in the country and save them all from ruin. Count Danilo seems the obvious choice, but they are former lovers, and he's reluctant to marry her for her money. Misunderstandings arise when Baron's wife, Valencienne, has an affair with Frenchman Camille. Hanna steps in to save Valencienne's reputation by saying that she intends to marry Camille. This complicates matters, even as Danilo begins to realise his true feelings for Hanna. The operetta is filled with misunderstandings and comic intrigue, leaving the audience wondering about the outcome. 

Director: Harry Silverstein

Composer: Franz Lehár

Librettists: Viktor Léo & Leo Stein

English translator:  Christopher Hassall

Conductor: Vivian Ip

Choreographer: Stella Lau

Dance Coach: Wang Yong
Ballet Mistress: Wu Fei-fei

Set Designer: Louis Chan Sing-yin
Co-Costume Designers: Bacchus Lee, Po Ng

Lighting Designer: Paul Wong Tsz-chung

Production Manager: Rachel Yip Zhun-huen

Main Cast:
Hanna Glawari: Alice Li Zixian, Hannah Bu Qiao
Count Danilo Danilovitsch: Jeff Chan Chun-fung, Jason Li Cho-shun
Baron Mirko Zeta: Aaron Kwan Cheuk-shing
Valencienne: Harriet Liu Hanrui, Nicole Tse Wai-tung
Camille, Count de Rosillon: Gary Kam Ka-yiu
Gaby Deslys: Michelle Siu Hoi-yan
 

Performed by students from the Department of Vocal Studies & Academy Symphony Orchestra.