ILONA, Ryedale Festival Opera

The Merry Widow tells the story of Hanna Glawari - played here by Ilona Domnich - a rich and sophisticated widow who captivates all of Paris. Her wealth could save her near-bankrupt little country of Pontevedro, if only she does not marry a foreigner! The diplomats who surround her are desperate to keep her money in the country by persuading her to marry Count Danilo. He’s an old flame, just waiting to be re-kindled, but also a proud man who still enjoys his bachelor lifestyle and the easygoing ladies he finds at Maxim’s nightclub.

In a sub-plot, the charming Frenchman Camille de Rosillon does his best to seduce the ambassador’s wife Valencienne, who is bored enough to be tempted but too ‘respectable’ to succumb. Meanwhile, the irrepressible Hanna flirts, charms and dances her way through the farcical events surrounding her. The conflict between political duty and romantic intrigue brings out the best in Lehár in this winning streak of intimate waltzes, flirtatious polkas, exuberant can-cans and catchy melodies.