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12 March, 2010
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Published: 16 July, 2008
THURSO High School is to host Scottish Opera's Merry Widow in September when Scotland's national opera company takes to the road. It will also visit 24 other venues across the country – from Easterhouse and Drumnadrochit to Stornoway and Kirkwall – in its 25-venue tour.
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This brand new production of Franz Léhar's much-loved operetta, a delightful tale of romance, regret, exotic parties and frustrated love, will be sung in English. Set at the start of the 20th century, in the few years before the First World War, The Merry Widow depicts life in a world that was about to be changed forever. More than a century after its premiere, The Merry Widow remains one of the most popular operettas thanks to memorable tunes such as "Vilja Song", "You'll Find Me at Maxim's", and "The Merry Widow Waltz". Trained dancer and choreographer Clare Whistler, who makes her debut with Scottish Opera to direct this production, said: "I am very excited to be directing The Merry Widow for Scottish Opera. I see the piece as all curves and spirals with an emphasis on femininity. It's an opera about two very different women and two very different love stories." The cast of 14 talented singers will perform with piano accompaniment played by music director Ruth Wilkinson. This production sees the return of Stephanie Corley, following her appearance in Scottish Opera's touring production of La Bohéme in 2006, and Alexander Grove, who recently appeared in Five:15. Scottish Opera's general director Alex Reedijk said: "The Merry Widow is a lovely show with an alluring combination of good old-fashioned romance and catchy tunes. "I urge anyone who hasn't tried opera before to give this a go – you'll have a great night. This is Scottish Opera's largest touring production to date and underlines our commitment to being a truly national company and bringing opera to audiences all over Scotland." This production is supported by the Gannochy Trust, JTH Charitable Trust and Eda, Lady Jardine, Charitable Trust. The Merry Widow is to be staged in Thurso on Thursday, September 11, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10, and £5 for the under-26s; they can be purchased from: George McBeath, Traill Street, Thurso (01847 892 364) and D.R. Simpson Newsagents, High Street, Wick (01955 603 304). Related articles: 
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