THE MERRY WIDOW

ACT I - Paris, 1905, The Pontevedrian Embassy in Paris
The birthday of the King of Pontevedro is being toasted by the Ambassador, Baron Zeta and his guests. Valencienne, the Baron's wife is having a secret flirtation with the Frenchman Camille de Rosillon, who writes "I love you" on her fan after she has forbidden him to speak the words. The glamorous and very wealthy widow, Hannah Glawari enters, pursued by a throng of suitors. Count Danilo, the embassy's first secretary, has been summoned by the Baron to party, to prevent any marriage to a foreigner so that her vast wealth stays in Pontevedro. He arrives directly from his favorite haunt, Maxim's, having had too much champagne and too little sleep, and lies down for a nap. Hannah discovers him. Some time ago, the two were engaged, but Danilo's uncle would not allow his nephew to marry a commoner. Now that she is an heiress, Danilo swears that he will never marry her. A "Ladies Choice" dance is called, and Hannah's suitors all vie to be selected. Valencienne proposes that the widow choose Camille, but she selects Danilo. Danilo offers to give his dance to anyone who offers to donate 10,000 francs to charity. The suitors slink away, and Danilo claims his dance. Hannah resists but ultimately yields to the waltz. 

INTERMISSION

ACT II - At the home of Hannah Glawari
Hannah hosts a Pontevedrian themed party in her home, complete with authentic costumes, dancing, and music. Hannah entertains the guests by singing the legend of the "Vilja", a wood nymph. Danilo arrives and banters with Hannah regarding affairs of the heart. When Danilo hears Hannah's suitors arguing about women, he counsels them not to bicker since at the end they will never understand women's behavior. Valencienne urges Camille to pursue Hannah. With difficulty he tries to bid Valencienne a fond farewell and the two slip into a pavilion in the garden. Njegus, the embassy clerk, sees this and also sees Baron Zeta and Danilo approaching. They have seen Camille enter the pavilion with a woman and spy through the keyhole to determine who it is. When Zeta sees his wife, he shouts for them to come out. But Njegus has arranged for Hannah to switch places with Valencienne, so all are surprised when the widow emerges from the pavilion. Hannah announces that she will marry Camille. Jealous, Danilo expresses his anger and stalks off to Maxim's, while Hannah plans for a Parisian wedding.

INTERMISSION

ACT III - Hannah's home
Hannah has created a replica of Maxim's in her home. Valencienne and the grisettes entertain the guests. Danilo arrives and Hannah tells him the truth about the incident in the pavilion. Each is still hesitant about their own emotions, but they hint at their true feelings as they waltz together. Hannah tells him that by the terms of her late husband's will, she will lose her fortune if she remarries. Learning this, Danilo finally admits that he loves her. She further reveals that her millions will revert to her new husband, and all ends happily.