The Merry Widow

The Merry Widow is a production commissioned by the Australian Ballet based on the renowned and widely beloved operetta of the same name by Victor Léon and Leo Stein. It tells the story of the dashing Count Danilo who must rescue his country, the tiny practically bankrupt nation of Pontevedro , by marrying the newly widowed and extremely wealthy Hanna Glawari. Only when they meet does he realise that she is actually his childhood sweetheart, and she has not forgiven him for rejecting her many years ago. This lovely tale of ballrooms, champagne, romance, glitz, and glamour against the backdrop of Belle Époque Paris was created especially for the Australian Ballet and was filmed at the impressive Sydney Opera House. It stars Australian ballet dancers Amber Scott as Hanna and Adam Bull as Count Danilo, while the choreography comes from the mind of Ronald Hynd.