Die lustige Witwe

Operetta

Writers: Franz Lehár Viktor Léon Leo Stein

Overview

Show Information

Music
Based on the Play/Book/Film
L'attaché d'ambassade (The Embassy Attaché) by Henri Meilhac
Category
Operetta
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1905
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Paris, 1900, 20th century
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Large
Dancing
Some Dance
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
College/University, Professional Opera
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes mature adult, young adult, adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

Hanna Glawari, recently widowed multi-millionairess, and citizen of Pontevedro, has suitors vying for her hand from every angle. It seems the only eligible bachelor that is not interested in her is Count Danilo Danilowitsch. After his family called off their engagement years before, because she was too poor, she had hoped that her wealth might now bring them together. How can she capture the heart of this man who seems only interested in drinking champagne and watching the girls at Maxim’s bar?

Filled with romantic trysts, lively dance numbers, and the famous ‘Song of Vilja’, it is no surprise that Lehár’s operetta Die lustige Witwe remains one of the most popular in the operatic canon today.

Lead Characters


Die lustige Witwe guide sections