The Merry Widow

Thank you for your kind invitation to report on your production of “The Merry Widow”, a light opera that is full of good tunes, romance, nice characters, and is just the thing to cheer people up. The intricacies of the plot are light-hearted and give good space for interesting characterisation and acting, as well as singing and dancing.  This is quite a change from the more classical operas this company perform, and I am sure that it has been quite a challenge to some. 

The set was ingenious, with the feeling of a garden balcony divided by central steps, behind which the orchestra was set behind light curtaining. This created a very clear connection between the orchestra and the cast, who followed each tempo change very well.  It also created a good opportunity for the orchestra to appear ‘onstage’ for one of the parties. Anna’s garden was very well designed, with the summerhouse to the left, and the upper walkway allowing the audience to see the exchange of Anna for Valencienne behind the back of her husband.  There were enough differences in the sets to show the two houses, and the basic design worked beautifully.  The scene changes were kept to a minimum, effectively helping the flow of the piece to be continuous.

The music was a delight to hear, with good pace and variation, but also gave time for singers and audience alike to breathe.  The balance of the instruments was superb, and the volume was kept very nicely under control. The singers performed their parts with energy and great appreciation for their place in the storyline.  Relationships were clearly established early, flirtations were clear and the general behaviour of a small community of expats was totally believable.  The dances were all well performed, especially by the Grisettes, and the atmosphere of revelry was very true to life.

The costumes were wonderful!  The bright plain colours were a fabulous contrast to the basic set, while the folk dancers looked totally authentic in their flower headdresses, red skirts and orange waistcoats.  The men always look good in evening dress.  The hair and make-up were well done to look natural and stylish.  The props were very well handled, with just enough emphasis on the fans by al the ladies.   Lighting was very good and well controlled, as was the sound, with clear delivery of the lines at all times. 

Danilo:  well portrayed as an aristocratic womaniser, fully aware of the situation regarding Anna’s fortune, and complicated by his love for her.  A credible characterisation, with a good understanding of the role, with great body language and acting.

Baron Zeta:  amusingly portrayed as a harassed ambassador working for a bankrupt country.  His innocent, comedic asides, with dead-pan delivery and sometimes self-important attitude, made this a memorable performance.

Camille:  portrayed as fervently in love with Valencienne.  Very good facial expression and body language particularly while trying to seduce her.

Njegus:  portrayed as ironic, capable and efficient, resolving all awkward and situations.  An excellent characterisation of the complex role of the aide who sees what is going on most clearly!

St. Brioche and Cascada:  a good partnership with both characters playing off each other.  Their entertaining rivalry for Anna (and her fortune) brought humour to their performances.

Valencienne:  well portrayed as an indecisive character in her relationship with Camille.  Her dance with the Grissettes was amusing, though perhaps “et moi” should have been a little more emphatic and flamboyant.  The “happy ending” with the fan was well done.

Anna:  a vivacious portrayal, but perhaps rather slightly immature? As a widow she would have a greater air of “mystery” and be more restrained in her attempts to attract Danilo.  Her treatment of her suitors was lively and well acted.

Overall, this was a very lively, cheerful and exuberant show, with very good performances of some excellent music in both choruses and solos.  Some of the acting was very good, although some could have shown a little more depth of understanding of the roles.  However, for a first light opera, this was beautiful, well planned and very well performed.  Well done!

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