Opera

The Merry Widow

Duration

2 hrs 55 mins with 2 intervals

Age Limit

Suitable for 8+ yrs

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of your experience

Step into a glitzy Parisian romance with The Merry Widow, featuring Franz Lehár’s iconic waltzes and Emma Pearson and Julie Lea Goodwin dazzling in Sydney.

4.9/5(54)

Nina M

Couple

Verified booking

4 days ago

The music and the performers were all sublime!!! Especially Julie Goodwin as Hanna!!! The choreography was magnificent. The sets and the costumes were outstanding and so beautiful!! Overall we felt very lucky to have had the good fortune to see this truly magnificent production!!! It was an especially emotional experience for us as we recalled our parents telling how they loved seeing this operetta in Vienna in the 1920's and often played the music & spoke so glowingly of this, their favorite and unforgettable operetta!! We thank Opera Australia for giving us this incredible opportunity!!!

Waltz, sway, and swoon with Franz Lehár’s iconic music in The Merry Widow in Sydney, a frothy romantic comedy for opera and musical fans alike.

Star-studded cast shines with Emma Pearson, Julie Lea Goodwin, Alexander Lewis, and Alexandra Flood, guided by Graeme Murphy’s choreography and Vanessa Scammell’s musical direction.

Set in glamorous Art Deco Paris, enjoy visually stunning geometric sets, sumptuous costumes, and lively dance numbers that elevate your experience.

This limited run at the Joan Sutherland Theater blends flirty romance, comedy and timeless waltzes with high society intrigue. Book The Merry Widow Sydney tickets now!

The story

Set in early 20th-century Paris, The Merry Widow follows the wealthy widow Hanna Glavari, whose fortune attracts attention from love-struck admirers and scheming diplomats alike. Amid glittering balls, lively waltzes, and romantic entanglements, Hanna’s suitors compete for her heart, while secrets, misunderstandings, and playful flirtations keep the audience guessing. Will love, wealth, and wit find their perfect dance partner by the final bow?

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

54 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
48
6
0
0
0
Guests from New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and over 11 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Mo Z
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
Nice place to sit for a solo afternoon after the show. Great production, beautiful singing and dance. Enjoyed every moment.
Nina M
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
The music and the performers were all sublime!!! Especially Julie Goodwin as Hanna!!! The choreography was magnificent. The sets and the costumes were outstanding and so beautiful!! Overall we felt very lucky to have had the good fortune to see this truly magnificent production!!! It was an especially emotional experience for us as we recalled our parents telling how they loved seeing this operetta in Vienna in the 1920's and often played the music & spoke so glowingly of this, their favorite and unforgettable operetta!! We thank Opera Australia for giving us this incredible opportunity!!!
David R
Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
Sat in the back row but clarity of sound for singing and speaking was excellent. Surtitles were in Chinese and English for singing but only Chinese for speaking. Should have English for speaking as well. Leading lady great voice and actress. Many magical moments in the performance. A very competent female conductor. Surprisingly almost all performers have an Australian background. A world class performance overall. Bravo
Troy L
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
Classy, elegant, funny, romantic and a bit silly, this production of the Merry Widow held me enraptured from overture to finale. The 1920s costumes and the art deco style settings were perfectly suited to Lehar's funny, charming and slightly naughty operetta.
Peter K
Group
Verified booking
Last week
Merry Widow was great. Amazing sets and atmosphere. Great cast with strong, clear and vibrant singing. Funny lines and period juxtaposition. Loved the whole experience. Congratulations to the company and cast and the musicians too. A big laugh all night.

Show details

Categories: Opera, Romance, Dance, Comedy

Audience: Suitable for 8+ yrs

Theater name: Joan Sutherland Theater

Find the best seats in the house with the Joan Sutherland Theater seating plan

Theater facilities: Restrooms, bar, cloakroom, restaurant, lounge, elevator

Theater accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible restrooms, companion seating, hearing assistance, accessible parking spaces

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Emma Pearson (Jul 8-26) / Julie Lea Goodwin (Jul 31–Aug 18) as Hanna Glavari, Alexander Lewis as Danilo Danilovich, David Whitney (Jul 8-26) / Andrew Moran (Jul 31–Aug 18) as Baron Mirko Zeta, Alexandra Flood as Valencienne, John Longmuir (Jul 8-26) / Virgilio Marino (Jul 31–Aug 18) as Camille de Rosillon, Benjamin Rasheed as Njegus, Richard Anderson as Alexis Kromov.

Conductor: Vanessa Scammell

Director: Graeme Murphy

Producer: Opera Australia

Book: Viktor Léon and Leo Stein

Choreographer: Graeme Murph

Composer: Franz Lehár

English translation: Justin Fleming

Set designer: Michael Scott-Mitchell

Costume designer: Jennifer Irwin

Additional info

This show is suitable for ages 8 years and above.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.

Frequently asked questions about The Merry Widow

Q: How much do The Merry Widow Sydney tickets cost?

A: Prices may change based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is The Merry Widow Sydney playing?

A: The show is playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater in Sydney.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The show lasts for about 2 hours and 55 minutes, including 2 intermissions.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: Set in early 20th-century Paris, the story follows wealthy widow Hanna Glavari as admirers and diplomats compete for her heart amidst waltzes, romance, and playful intrigue.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: There’s no strict age limit, but it’s generally recommended for ages 8 years and above.

Q: Is The Merry Widow an opera or a musical?

A: The Merry Widow is an operetta composed by Franz Lehár, blending elements of opera and light musical comedy with waltzes and sung dialogue.

Q: What language is the performance in?

A: The show is performed in English, with translation adapted from the original libretto.

Q: Are there any famous arias or songs to look out for?

A: Yes, expect Franz Lehár’s iconic waltzes, including “Vilja Song” and other celebrated melodies that define the operetta’s charm.