CAST

Hanna Glawari — Esther Tonea

Count Danilo Danilovitsch — John Tibbetts

Baron Mirko Zeta — Branch Fields

Valencienne — Jessica Gu

Camille, Count de Rosillon — Jason Karn

Olga — Victoria Isernia

Praskowia — Erin Rosales

Narrator — Robin Phillips

PRODUCTION TEAM

Conductor — Julien Benichou

Director — Dashiell Waterbury

ABOUT THE COMPOSER

Franz Lehár (1870–1948) was an acclaimed Austro-Hungarian composer whose enchanting melodies, elegant orchestrations, and romantic storytelling established him as one of the most celebrated figures in the golden age of operetta. His masterpiece, The Merry Widow (1905), captivated audiences worldwide with its irresistible waltzes, sparkling wit, and timeless celebration of love, securing his place in musical history. Throughout his distinguished career, Lehár composed more than 30 operettas, leaving an enduring legacy of musical sophistication, theatrical charm, and unforgettable melodies that continue to delight audiences around the world.

ABOUT THE MERRY WIDOW

Set amid the glittering elegance of Paris, Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow is a sparkling romantic comedy of love, pride, and mistaken intentions. When a wealthy young widow and her former love are reunited, romance collides with diplomacy as an entire nation’s fortune, and perhaps two hearts, hang in the balance.

PLOT SYNOPSIS

At the Pontevedrian Embassy in Paris, the charming and immensely wealthy widow Hanna Glawari becomes the center of attention. Her late husband’s fortune is vital to the struggling nation of Pontevedro, and the embassy fears financial disaster if Hanna marries a foreigner and takes her wealth abroad. Baron Zeta therefore sets his sights on Count Danilo Danilovitsch, a handsome Pontevedrian diplomat and notorious bachelor, as the ideal husband. There is only one complication: Hanna and Danilo were once deeply in love, but pride, family expectations, and old wounds drove them apart.

As Hanna and Danilo are drawn together once more, neither is willing to admit that their feelings have never disappeared. Their spirited battle of wit and jealousy unfolds against a glamorous world of embassy receptions, Parisian nightlife, dancing, and romantic intrigue. After misunderstandings and carefully guarded emotions finally give way to the truth, Hanna reveals that her fortune need not stand between them. Danilo at last declares his love, not for her wealth, but for Hanna herself, bringing Lehár’s beloved operetta to a joyous and romantic conclusion.

Coming soon to WOS - Please Save the dates!

November 10 - Educational Outreach Performance, Arlington Public Schools

November 18 - Opera Outreach Performance, Sibley Memorial Hospital

November 21 - Masterclass Series, Cleveland Park Congregational UCC

December 5 - Christmas at the Opera - A Holiday Production on behalf of Our Lady Queen of the Americas Parish

December 18 - A Christmas Opera Celebration at the Embassy of Italy

About the Embassy of Austria

The Embassy of Austria in Washington, D.C., serves as the principal diplomatic mission of the Republic of Austria to the United States, fostering a distinguished relationship built upon shared values, international cooperation, and a rich tradition of cultural exchange. Under the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Petra Schneebauer, the Embassy advances Austria’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural interests while strengthening the enduring bonds of friendship between the two nations.

Situated in Washington’s prestigious International Chancery Center, the Embassy occupies an elegant three-story building designed by Austrian-American architect Leopold Boeckl. Since opening in 1991, the Embassy has served as a center for diplomacy, dialogue, and cultural engagement in the nation's capital.

Beyond its diplomatic and consular responsibilities, the Embassy plays a vital role in celebrating and promoting Austria’s extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Through the Austrian Cultural Forum Washington and a distinguished calendar of cultural programs, exhibitions, and musical performances, the Embassy provides a meaningful platform for artistic expression and international collaboration, honoring Austria’s remarkable contributions to music, the arts, and global culture.

A Letter from our Board President, Mrs. Yasmine Askalani

Your Excellency, My Dear Ambassador Schneebauer,

On behalf of the Washington Opera Society, and with my deepest personal appreciation, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional generosity and gracious hospitality in once again welcoming us to the magnificent House of Austria.

It is a singular honor for the Washington Opera Society to celebrate Austria’s extraordinary musical heritage under your gracious patronage. As we gather for our fourth performance at the Embassy, we are especially grateful for your continued friendship and generosity, which have made these occasions such a cherished tradition. You have offered us far more than an exquisite setting for our performances; you have nurtured a meaningful cultural partnership rooted in artistic excellence, mutual respect, and a shared devotion to music.

Austria’s incomparable contribution to the world of music makes each occasion particularly meaningful. To celebrate that remarkable legacy in your distinguished presence is both a privilege and an inspiration.

I deeply treasure the friendship and enduring relationship between the Embassy of Austria and the Washington Opera Society, and look forward with great pleasure to continuing our shared tradition of bringing people and cultures together through the timeless beauty of music.

With profound gratitude, warmest personal regards, and the assurance of my highest esteem,

Yasmine Askalani
Board President, Washington Opera Society