Elizabeth Futral as Hanna Glawari and Roger Honeywell as Count Danilo star as sparring ex-lovers in classic battle of the sexes – Lyric’s own “Fred & Ginger” wind up waltzing back into each other’s hearts!
As diplomatic wife Valencienne, Andriana Chuchman
displays unexpected talents as a winsome can-can girl –
after stealing kisses with Camille de Rossilon,
played by dapper newcomer Stephen Costello!
Even Maxim’s waiters, deftly portrayed by Lyric’s dashing dancers, win cheers from the crowd! And just wait till you see the grisettes…ooh-la-la!
Classy (and sassy) attire and stunning sets inspired by the art of Toulouse-Lautrec, Tissot, Morrissot, and others of the Parisian Belle Epoque
A must-see show for the holidays!! Performances through Jan. 16 – tickets available! 312-332-2244 or www.lyricopera.org
THE MERRY WIDOW / Franz Lehár (in English with projected English texts) Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., except for matinees at 2:00 p.m. Dec. 9, 11, 14, 16 (mat.), 18, 20 (mat.), Jan. 5, 9, 14 (mat.), 16
Lehár’s masterpiece is rivaled only by Die Fledermaus as the most popular of all Viennese operettas. It boasts any number of beloved melodies, from the heroine’s “Vilja” to the hero’s “Maxim’s” and their exquisite duet, known as the “Merry Widow Waltz.” The operetta takes place in Paris, where the high life is being greatly enjoyed by the widow Hanna Glawari (soprano Elizabeth Futral), whose 20 million francs make her particularly attractive to Paris’s most eligible bachelors. Hanna is a native of Petrovenia, whose ambassador, Baron Zeta (bass-baritone Dale Travis), is desperate to have her marry a native Petrovenian so that her fortune can remain in her own country. He tries to interest Hanna’s old flame, Count Danilo (tenor Roger Honeywell), in marrying her, but Danilo prefers to play the field with the grisettes – the can-can girls from Maxim’s. The amorous intrigues also involve Zeta’s lovely young wife, Valencienne (soprano Andriana Chuchman) and the French nobleman who loves her, Camille de Rosillon (tenor Stephen Costello, debut).
Emmanuel Villaume is the conductor. Making Lyric debuts are Gary Griffin (stage director), Daniel Ostling (set designer), and Mara Blumenfeld (costume designer). Christine Binder is the lighting designer, Daniel Pelzig is the choreographer, and John Boesche is projection designer.
Lyric Opera production generously made possible by Jim and Vicki Mills/Jon and Lois Mills, an Anonymous Donor, the Howard A. Stotler Estate, Donna Van Eekeren, and Bank of America.
The operetta The Merry Widow has been seen previously at Lyric during the 1981 and 1986/87 seasons. (A ballet version was presented in 1955 and 1962.) “We’re very enthusiastic about this gorgeous new production of Lehár’s delightful operetta, which is full of terrific melodies we all know and love,” Mason says. “It’s just charming – especially for the holidays! The central couple absolutely sparks and sparkles – the lovely Elizabeth Futral as the wealthy widow and the debonair Roger Honeywell as her reluctant suitor Danilo – and both are alumni of the Ryan Opera Center. The ingénue couple are Andriana Chuchman, an extremely talented third-year member of the Ryan Opera Center, as Valencienne, and the up-and-coming young American tenor Stephen Costello, making his debut as Camille. Emmanuel Villaume returns to conduct after his triumph with Manon last season. And of course we’re very excited about the triumphant Lyric debut of acclaimed stage director Gary Griffin and the terrific team of Chicago designers Daniel Ostling Mara Blumenfeld, Christine Binder, and John Boesche. I’ve admired Gary’s theatrical work for many years, and I’m thrilled he’s made his operatic debut at Lyric.”
Great seats from $33 – tickets available for all remaining performances. Call 312-332-2244, x. 5600 to reserve or go to www.lyricopera.org to view video clips and order tickets.
