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Schwerin celebrates its premiere: The Merry Widow conquers the stage!
Premiere of the operetta “The Merry Widow” on June 27, 2025 in Schwerin. Director: Andrea Schwalbach. Performances until August 3rd.
Schwerin celebrates its premiere: The Merry Widow conquers the stage!
On June 27, 2025, the city of Schwerin experienced a very special evening: **The Merry Widow**, the most popular operetta by the composer Franz Lehár, celebrated its premiere as part of the Castle Festival. This production not only promises a spectacular stage setting, but also brings into play themes such as true love and self-determination - values that are still important today. Director Andrea Schwalbach brings the operetta to the stage with a lot of energy and changes of tempo, which makes for a rousing performance. As NDR reports, the role of Hanna Glawari is played by Cornelia Zink, while Martin Gerke appears as Count Danilo for the first time in this genre.
The setting is the picturesque theater tent on Lake Schwerin, which immerses the audience in a festive atmosphere. This operetta, which is almost 120 years old, has lost none of its relevance. It tells the story of Hanna, a wealthy widow who is swarmed by numerous men in the warm surroundings of the ball at the Pontevedrian embassy. This enthusiasm, reports [Schwerin](https://www. Schwerin.m-vp.de/schlossfestspiele-Schwerin-2025-die-freudee-witwe/), is not only due to Hanna's beauty, but also to her wealth. Her former lover Danilo, tasked with rescuing her from financial difficulties, also has to find out whether he really loves her or is just courting her for her money.
A timeless classic
The plot unfolds into a game of intrigue between social norms and personal desires. Hanna refuses to marry Danilo unless he says “I love you,” a sentence he swore he would never utter. Andrea Schwalbach's production promises to enrich the proceedings with humorous and moving elements. These aspects contribute to **The Merry Widow** becoming a true highlight of the theater repertoire, attracting worldwide attention. The well-known songs such as the Vilja song and “Lips Silent” give the performance additional charm.
Franz Lehár, born on April 30, 1870 in Hungary, is one of the most influential composers of the Silver Age of Viennese operetta. With **The Merry Widow** he achieved his breakthrough in 1905, which would make his works an integral part of the international stage. In his work, Lehár integrated numerous cultural influences that make his music distinctive. Operetten-Lexikon documents that even after his initial enthusiasm he continued on the path of musical theater with works such as “The Count of Luxembourg” and “The Land of Smiles”.
A feast for the senses
The performances of **The Merry Widow** can be experienced in Schwerin until August 3, 2025. The anticipation is already palpable, not least because another highlight is coming up: on July 11th, the 2014 ESC winner will perform together with the Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle. Schwerin shows itself at its best - with culture and colors it reaches into the hearts of the audience.