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West London Opera's 2010-2011 production has been changed to Franz Lehar's "The Merry Widow" which will be performed in May 2011 at the Questors Theatre, Ealing. It was decided to present The Merry Widow as it has a better chorus content and is more in keeping with our 50th anniversary celebrations! Chorus rehearsals start on 29th September at 7.45 at St Paul's School Hall, Brentford, Middx.

Music rehearsals will start on 29th September for chorus members. Production rehearsals start in January 2011. All rehearsals take place on a Wednesday evening at St Paul's School, Brentford, Middx. Auditions for the principal parts will be held on Sunday 7th November.

The Story

Act I

A party is in progress at the Pontevedrin consulate in Paris in honor of the small country's king. Vicomte Cascada proposes a toast to their host, Baron Zeta. Nearby, Camille professes his undying love to Valencienne, Zeta's young, attractive wife. She half-heartedly tries to repel his advances, assuring him that she is a virtuous wife. Not easily put off, Camille inscribes "I love you" on her fan.

Zeta announces that Hanna Glawari is expected soon. She was recently widowed by her rich banker husband whose wealth represents a significant portion of their tiny nation's net worth. He is determined to ensure her second marriage is made with a Pontevedrin and dispatches Njegus to find his attachè, Count Danilo, a perfect candidate for her hand. Hanna enters the room, immediately engaging the attention of all the male guests.

Valencienne has her own matchmaking plans - in order to dissuade Camille's amorous advances she suggests that he marry Hanna. Danilo arrives in a fury, complaining how he devotes enough of his precious time to the service of his country - nights should be spent at his favorite boite de nuit, Maxim's. A true bon vivant, Danilo has spent four sleepless nights at the famous nightclub and takes a moment to rest his eyes.

When he wakes, Danilo finds Hanna eyeing him closely. It is soon discovered they were once lovers, but because of her then-impoverished status, Danilo's family would not allow them to marry. Now that Hanna is rich, Danilo refuses to join the cabal of other men who effortlessly chant "I love you" in pursuit of her millions. Zeta reminds him that the future of their nation rests in her hands, but Danilo will not acquiesce.

"Ladies' choice" is announced, and all the men clamor to be Hanna's partner. She chooses the only one ignoring her, namely Danilo. He attempts to decline by offering the honor to whomever will give ten thousand francs to charity. The other men quickly recede, forcing Hanna and Danilo to take up the dance floor together.

Act II

The following day Hanna throws a party of her own and entertains her guests with Pontevedrin song and dance. She tells the folk tale of a huntsman and a mountain sprite's unrequited love. Rumors of Camille's interest in Hanna reach Zeta's ears, which immediately gives cause for concern as marriage to the Frenchman would result in the transfer of Hanna's fortune. Njegus informs him of Camille's involvement with a married woman, remarking that the husband should give up his wife for the sake of saving their country from ruin.

In their continuing game of cat and mouse, Hanna accuses Danilo of avoiding her. St. Brioche and Cascada renew their pursuit of the widow Glawari, and Camille once again focuses his attention on Valencienne. Though insisting upon her integrity, Valencienne's resolve begins to falter.

Njegus is surprised to observe the couple entering the pavilion and soon is forced to confront his boss with the news that Camille is in there with his married paramour. Zeta peeps through the keyhole to learn the mysterious woman's identity and is shocked to find his own wife. In the ensuing confusion Njegus performs some nimble-witted damage control by way of the backdoor, substituting Hanna for Valencienne. Hanna emerges with Camille, pacifying Zeta's suspicions. She announces their engagement, and though Camille quietly protests, Hanna reminds him that the truth would ruin his would-be lover's reputation. Danilo can barely disguise his bitterness and hastily retreats to his refuge, Maxim's. Hanna is now convinced of his love for her.

Act III

In a final effort to win Danilo, Hanna hosts a party à la Maxim's. Valencienne dances the Can-can with the grisettes who regularly perform there. Danilo arrives presently, anxiously demanding Hanna not marry Camille for the sake of their country. She comes clean with the truth, divulging the ruse at the pavilion, and they openly express their mutual affection. Hanna reports that according to her husband's will, if she were to remarry, her immense wealth would revert to the state, and she would be poor as the day she was born. In spite of her penniless future, Danilo agrees to take her hand. Having discovered Valencienne's fan in the pavilion, Zeta declares his intention to divorce his wife and marry Hanna himself. His anger is abated when Valencienne again shows him what is written on the fan - "I love you"- then reads the other side: "To my darling husband."

Synopsis courtesy of The Minnesota Opera