Infused with director Janice Honeyman's unique jocularity and daring shrewdness, this zany and bold re-envisioning of Franz Lehar's beloved operetta, definitely puts a chic contemporary African spin on this evergreen tale of diplomatic intrigue, gold-digging and true love.
"Opera, and certainly operetta, started as a 'popular' art form and captured the public's imagination," says Honeyman. "Maybe we can still lose ourselves in the magic of the music and seemingly frivolity of the fantasy."
Honeyman, famous for her pantomimes, children's theatre and thrilling drama, musical and opera productions, has transferred Lehar's Lustige Witwe from the Balkan kingdom of Pontevedria to an equally fictitious sophisticated modern state somewhere north of us.
British soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn, noted for her 'gorgeously toned and rapturous' singing (The Guardian) and 'exciting vocalism' (The Daily Telegraph) makes her glorious CTO debut as Hannah Glawari and makes a very gracious and charming rich widow Hanna Glawari, who ensnares her former lover Count Danilo.
Aubrey Lodewyk is equally dashing as Danillo, who pointedly ignores her to avoid being regarded as one of her gold digging admirers.
Filipa van Eck, recently described by Opera Magazine as 'spirited, playful and technically rock solid', makes a welcome return from the UK to sing Valencienne, with stalwart support from Mandla Mndebele as Chief L'Zitho, and Lukhanyo Moyake as Khumal Doh-Rassa-Yon.
Comedian Alan Committee is totally hilarious in the role of Njegus, taking the audience on a wacky journey into the world of Africania, even whipping out a flipchart to dissect the plot and make sense of the absurd nature of the story.
Tim Murray conducts the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, with The Malagawian High-Life National Swingsters in the form of a vibey marimba ensemble, adding an African flavour to the enchanting score.
The Merry Widow of Malagawi offers a stunning visual feast with Birrie le Roux's chic costumes, Michael Mitchell's opulent sets and Mannie Manim's lighting. From the overwhelming opening revealing the great and sophisticated metropolis of Africana, to the breathtaking and lush tropical garden of Madame X'lawari's residence, and the awesome Club Maks where X'lawari arrives on a yacht, it's a burst of colour and inspired design that dazzles.
Sean Bovim's choreography sizzles, particularly during the tropical garden celebrations, and the fantastic Dancing Dorettes turning the traditional can-can inside out.
It's inspiring to see Cape Town Opera under the guidance of Michael Williams and Matthew Wild, showcasing the wonderful talent we have to offer.
If you are looking for an evening of absolute fun, filled with great music, excellent performances and a healthy dose of humour, The Merry Widow of Malagawi delivers on all levels. This is an evening of opera you will never forget!
The Merry Widow of Malagawi is on at the Artscape Opera on 9, 10 and 11,September at 7.30pm, and at 6pm on 12 September. Book at Computicket or call +27 (0)21 421 7695. Go to www.capetownopera.co.za
