Melbourne Opera kicks off its 2011 season with a glamorous new production of Lehar’s ever popular operetta The Merry Widow. With an all-star cast headed by popular soprano (and cabaret star) Ali McGregor and David Rogers-Smith, a great night out is assured with some of the best known melodies of all time including the ever popular Vilia. The acclaimed Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra are conducted by Lehar specialist David Kram and the new production is directed by Hugh Halliday, the director of so many of Melbourne Opera’s hits.

The Merry Widow tells the hilarious story of the desperate attempts by the tiny bankrupt state of Pontevedro to prevent the enormously wealthy Hanna Glawari (the “merry widow”) from marrying a foreigner, thereby resulting in the financial collapse of the Duchy. There are numerous pitfalls on the way to Hanna’s happy reunion with the first secretary of the Embassy, the dashing Count Danilo. A smash hit throughout the world, The Merry Widow is packed with highly enjoyable numbers including the great Vilia, beloved of sopranos and audiences everywhere, as well as several of the most popular and romantic waltzes ever written. Book early as this production will sell out.