The Merry Widow

Franz Lehár
The Merry Widow
(Die lustige Witwe)
Operetta in 2 acts

Premiere 2025, March 27th

Director VIKTORIJA STREIČA
Musical Director and Conductor JONAS JANULEVIČIUS
Costume and make-up designer JUOZAS STATKEVIČIUS
Set Designer VAIDOTAS JAKUTIS
Conductor OKSANA MADARASH
Choirmaster RASA VAITKEVIČIŪTĖ
Choreographer VALERIJ OSADČENKO
Lighting Designer MONIKA ŠERSTABOJEVAITE
Assistant Conductor MANTAS JANČIAUSKAS

The director of the show, Viktorija Streiča, summarizes the plot of this well-known operetta in one sentence: “If life gives you a second chance – never let it slip away!”
This story will take us into a world of luxurious fun and intrigue, where the expectations of hearts, ambitions, and delightful surprises intertwine. When life offers a second chance, is it possible or worth rejecting it? The characters of the operetta – noble, charming, and a little reckless – seek the answer to this question. The operetta intertwines and interacts with plot lines about wealth, the country’s independence, societal expectations, and human happiness.
This production reveals how the world of the high society can become a trap, where wealth and obligations start to limit one’s choices. The main heroine, Hanna, who becomes a symbol of the country’s independence, uses her financial freedom to preserve her personal life, regardless of the needs of society. The situation prompts us to reflect on whether wealth gives freedom or turns a person into a prisoner.
Full of romance, satire, and stunning visuals, this “The Merry Widow” offers a contemporary interpretation while respecting the charm of the original work, only adding modern accents to it.
The premiere of F. Lehár’s operetta „The Merry Widow“ took place in 1905 in Vienna. It immediately became one of the most successful and frequently staged operettas of all time. During its early years, it conquered European stages and captivated the audiences of musical theatres across several continents. „The Merry Widow“ has maintained its charm for more than 120 years – an uncomplicated, delightfully intriguing plot, melodies that became world-famous hits, captivating the soul with intoxicating violin sounds, passionate Hungarian dances – and the hearts of the audience are warmed!
The operetta tells the story of the wealthy widow Hana Glavari, who arrives in Paris to have some fun. Her countrymen are worried because if the wealthy widow remarries, their small country’s “indebted” government will lose its main capital. Count Danilo is assigned the task of marrying the rich widow to preserve her millions for the country. However, this is not so simple, as Hana and Danilo’s paths had already crossed in the past… After various intrigues, comical situations, and other typical operetta plot twists, love triumphs, and “the country is saved.”

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The Merry Widow (German: Die lustige Witwe is an operetta by the composer Franz Lehar. The librettists Viktor Leon and Leo Stein based the story – concerning a rich widow, and her countrymen’s attempt to keep her money in the principality by finding her the right husband – on an 1861 comedy play, L’attaché d’ambassade (The Embassy Attaché) by Henry Meilhac.
The operetta has enjoyed extraordinary international success since its 1905 premiere in Vienna and continues to be frequently revived and recorded. Film and other adaptations have also been made. Well-known music from the score includes the „Vilja Song“, „You’ll Find Me at Maxim’s”), and the “Merry Widow Waltz”.