Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow
Czech Opera Prague

Saturday, Nov. 17 - 7:30 p.m.

Czech Opera Prague’s performance of The Merry Widow is a funny, romantic tale of suitors competing for the hand of a wealthy Parisian widow. Premiered in 1905, the Widow’s power to enchant is undiminished more than 100 years later.

This operetta by Franz Lehar waltzes and dazzles its way to a delightfully perfect conclusion. Giorgio Lalov, founder and artistic director/stage director of Teatro Lirico D’Europa, which has become the most successful opera touring company in Europe and the United States, shared some thoughts on the operetta’s lasting appeal.

What do you think is the most interesting thing about The Merry Widow?

“This performance is easy, easy to enjoy. It’s such a funny story! The Merry Widow is perfect for people who just want to enjoy the performance. There are no bad emotions: it’s light, there’s a lot of acting. It’s very theatrical and has great music.”

What do you feel is the most common misconception about opera?

“That it’s too complicated, that there are too many “conditions.” For example, sometimes the super titles are not correct, so people are concerned that they’ll laugh in the wrong places. That’s why an operetta like The Merry Widow is perfect for American audiences: there is a lot of acting, lots of laughing. It’s not intimidating or scary."

What do you think is the most beautiful aria in this performance?

”What is the name of this opera? Of course Hannah — the Merry Widow herself — gets the best aria! Lehar’s “Vilia” is one of the most famous songs from the opera.”

Listen to an aria from The Merry Widow: http://www.rhapsody.com/franzlehar/themerrywidowstudentprince

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