The State Opera of South Australia Presents THE MERRY WIDOW

State Opera will present one of the most beloved operettas of all time at the Adelaide Festival Theatre later this month. Graeme Murphy's stunning new production, set against the lush and glittering backdrop of art- deco Paris, will bewitch audiences for five performances only, from November 29.

Famous for its waltzes and one of the great love duets (Love Unspoken), The Merry Widow has been a favourite with audiences in Australia for generations. State Opera Artistic Director Stuart Maunder says "Adelaide is in for an early Christmas treat. This is a perfect show for all the family to see together. Whether young or just young at heart - this is a gorgeous romp filled with devilish humour and romantic mischief, and a real song and dance extravaganza"

This acclaimed new production directed and choreographed by Graeme Murphy AO brings together the finest talent on and off the stage: Set designs by Michael Scott-Mitchell bring Paris to life - from ballrooms, to summer gardens reminiscent of Monet paintings. Jennifer Irwin, whose costume designs have been seen as far and wide as The Matrix and the Olympics, fills each scene with shimmering fabrics and glamorous creations. Conducted by Wyn Davies, The Merry Widow is sung in English with a witty new libretto by Justin Fleming.

Franz Lehar's much loved operetta tells the story of wealthy widow Hanna, the inadvertent heiress of Pontevedra's fortune after just eight days of marriage. Fearing the loss of their riches, members of the 'society set' are determined that she must wed a local - and soon, before any foreigner catches her gaze. However, Hanna has history with the man they have in mind, and to complicate matters, the widow is not the only one turning heads.

Featuring an all-star Australian cast led by soprano Antoinette Halloran as Hanna and Alexander Lewis as Count Danilo, the production showcases a vast array of local artists including Andrew Turner as the Baron Zeta and Desiree Frahn as his beautiful young wife Valencienne .

"What an absolute pleasure to be working with State Opera under Stuart Maunder's artistic direction, the ASO and conductor Wyn Davies. To our dear audience, I offer a warm invitation to submit to an amazing cast in the service of a timeless musical gem." Graeme Murphy AO, Director & Choreographer

For more information, please visit stateopera.com.au

Tickets start at $80 and are available via BASS: https://www.bass.net.au/events/sosa-the-merry-widow/