It Sparked a Fashion Craze

After its 1905 premiere, The Merry Widow became such a cultural sensation that it inspired fashion trends - especially the famous "Merry Widow hat", a wide-brimmed creation worn by stylish women across Europe and America.

The Music is Lush, Catchy, and Danceable

Lehár's score is filled with waltzes, marches, and romantic melodies that stay in your head long after the curtain falls. The most famous number, the "Vilja Song", is hauntingly beautiful, and the "Merry Widow Waltz" is pure elegance and joy. 

It's Like a Romantic Comedy with Operatic Glamour

The plot involves a rich widow, a cash-strapped nation, and lots of flirtation and mistaken identities - with plenty of laughs along the way. It is very light-hearted and tuneful and none of it should be taken too seriously. 

It Was an International Blockbuster

Within a year of its premiere, The Merry Widow had been translated into dozens of languages and performed worldwide - from London to New York to Sydney. It remains one of the most frequently performed operettas of all time. It has been mounted on Broadway multiple times and made into a Hollywood movie three times, including a 1934 version with Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald and a 1952 remake with Lana Turner and Fernando Lamas.

You are encouraged to dress in whatever way you feel most comfortable. Some people like to make it special by dressing up. Others prefer to be more casual. Opening nights of each opera tend to be a bit more dressy (you will see more tuxes and long dresses) and matinees a bit more casual.  

One suggestion: it does tend to be cool in the theater (especially in the orchestra section) and so a sweater or wrap might be helpful.

There is limited on-street parking near the Sarasota Opera House. There are several parking garages in close proximity to the theater, including the Palm Avenue Garage (1289 N. Palm Ave.) which is directly behind the Sarasota Opera House.

Valet parking is also available for all evening and weekend matinee performances. Valet parking is complimentary for subscribers and donors. Otherwise the cost is $10.

For more information please visit https://www.sarasotaopera.org/parking.

With spoken dialogue, tuneful music, glamorous costumes, and a lighthearted story, The Merry Widow is a delightful entertainment. While there is some flirtation, there is nothing overtly and it should be suitable for teenagers and young adults. 

The historic Sarasota Opera House is in downtown Sarasota at 61 N. Pineapple Street. 

For detailed directions, please visit https://www.sarasotaopera.org/directions.

There are concessions at the Opera House which sell a variety of beverages, snacks, and sandwiches.  The lobby is open 1 hour and 15 minutes before a performance, and the courtyard is open 1 hour and 45 minutes before a performance. We encourage you to come early to enjoy refreshments. No food or drink are allowed inside the auditorium.