14th-19th February 2005, National Concert Hall

• Director: Noel McDonough
• Music Director: Colman Pearce
• Choreographer: Martina Kealy
• Chorus Master: Jay Shanahan
• With Virginia Kerr, Thorbjorn Gulbrandsoy, Mary Flaherty, Paul Byrom, Gary Mountaine, Jimmy Dixon, Chorus of the Glasnevin Musical Society

2005 marks a very special year for The Merry Widow, as it is the centenary of the first performance of this magical operetta, which premièred on the 30th December 1905, in Theatre an Der Wein in Vienna. When introduced to London, The Merry Widow was an unfounded success. Indeed, the ‘Widow’ sparked a huge craze in New York with Merry Widow hats, shoes and even Merry Widow cigars and chocolates becoming the must-have accessories. Merry Widow cafes sprang up overnight and ladies took to wearing Merry Widow corsets!

The central storyline of deception, romance, a country in need of its people and naturally, a ‘happy ever after’, is still as captivating today, 100 years on (and still a central theme to Hollywood given recent box-office showings!). Everflowing champagne, eligible bachelors, comedy and the can-can, what more can you ask for in a show? The success of this operetta, however, is due in no small part to the wonderful music of Franz Lehár, including the timeless ‘Merry Widow Waltz’ and the unforgettable ‘Vilia’.

The Glasnevin Musical Society has developed a special place for The Merry Widow in their musical repertoire. First presented by the Society in 1972 in Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, the show was revived in the same venue in 1979 due to popular demand. The phenomenal success of The Merry Widow continued though the eighties and nineties with sell out shows in the NCH in 1986 and in 1994. It is a fitting tribute that the GMS are presenting this fully staged and costumed operetta in the NCH in February 2005, the perfect birthday gift to this venerable ‘Queen of Operettas’. Opening night for the weeklong run is none other than Valentines Day, the perfect start to a week of romance!

Returning to the stage with the GMS is one of Ireland's finest sopranos, Virginia Kerr, in one ofher favourite roles as Anna Glavari. Hot on the heels of his performace in December 2004's Your Favourite Melodies at Christmas with the GMS and singing the role of Count Danilo, is the charming Thorbjørn Gulbrandsøy. Support is provided by a vivacious cast including Mary Flaherty, Paul Byrom, Gary Mountaine, Jimmy Dixon and, of course, the Chorus of The Glasnevin Musical Society. Direction by the exceptional Noel McDonough together with choreography by the high-stepping Marina Kealy, all under the baton of our renowned MD Colman Pearce, makes this the must-see show in 2005.

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