By Dee Jae Cox
The Merry Widow, a classic opera, is on stage this weekend at the Palm Canyon Theatre and produced by the Coachella Valley Classical Voices. It is a perfect example of how a small artistic seed can grow into a mighty classical theatrical experience.
In 1861, French Playwright, Henri Meilhac, premiered his comic play L’attaché d’ambassade (The Embassy Attaché), in Paris. This was the source for what would become The Merry Widow. Though rarely performed on its own anymore, its storyline has lived on through the classic Operettic musical adaptation.
In 1905, Viennese librettist Leo Stein came across the play and was inspired to make it into an operetta. He collaborated with Viktor Leon, and the two adapted the play as a libretto. (Librettos write all the dialogue and stage directions, as well as any sung lyrics.) Stein and Leon also updated the setting to contemporary Paris. The final piece of this great classical production was put in place when Hungarian Composer, Franz Lehár, was brought on board as the music composer. Lehár was inspired by the romantic storyline, which perfectly accommodated his signature blend of sweeping Viennese waltzes and lively traditional folk rhythms.
The Merry Widow, (Die Lustige Witwe,) was first performed at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna on December 30, 1905.
In 1907 British writers Basil Hood adapted the book into English, and Adrian Ross, translated the lyrics, both ensuring that the translations from German to English maintained the integrity and natural iconic impact of the original. Their work introduced this classical theatrical production to the English-speaking world.
The first American production opened on October 21, 1907 at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway, using the Hood /Ross Libretto, which has become the most commonly used, though other adaptations have been written.
The Merry Widow, tells the story of the tiny, bankrupt European nation of Pontevedro, that is desperate to keep a newly wealthy widow’s fortune in the country. Taking place in Paris at the Pontevedrian Embassy, Hanna Glawari, (Jenne Carey) a native of Pontevedro, has inherited a fortune following the death of her husband. If she marries a foreigner, her wealth will leave Pontevedro, plunging the nation into financial ruin. The Pontevedrian ambassador, Baron Mirko Zeta, (Paul Crane,) is determined to force her into a marriage with a Pontevedrian man.
Baron Zeta, sets his sights on Count Danilo Danilovitch, (Luke Rainey), an embassy secretary and a notorious ladies’ man. However, there is a complication to this plan. Hanna and Danilo share a romantic past. Years prior, Danilo’s uncle forbid them to marry because Hanna was of a lower social class.
Now, Danilo’s pride prevents him from courting her, as he fears he will be seen as just another fortune hunter trying to secure her millions. Hanna, aware of this, refuses to marry him until he admits he loves her for who she is, not her money.
Flirtation, deception, and jealousy unfold across glittering ballroom scenes, love and laughter prove impossible to contain.
With music direction by Linda Mack Berven and Chuck Peery, this Opera classic is timeless. It features a rich and melodic score filled with waltzes, romantic duets, and comedic ensembles. The Merry Widow offers a blend of operatic grandeur and playful storytelling. The production invites audiences into a world of elegance, wit and timeless romance.
Vocalists include: Judi Russo, Charles Gallagher, David Brooks, Ric Durity, Mark Wilensky-Ziemann, Andrew Taines, Ty Carson, Fiona Sarchett, Denise Rooney Sanai Wright, Stevie Gold, Noah Wahlberg, Thelma Irvine,, and Eddy Moya. The ensemble includes Michele Davis, Darrin Dikes, Linda Mack Berven and Matt Walker.
Directed by CVCV’s founding director Doug Nagel. Scenic and lighting design by J.W. Layne with projections by Nick Edwards, costumes by Derik Shopinski. And choreography by Keith Mottola.
The Merry Widow runs from May 22–24, 2026, at the Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs.
Box office- 760-323-5123 or visit palmcanyontheatre.org
