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The Merry Widow: Madonna
June 25, 2024
By Bessy ADUT
On Friday, June 7, 2024, I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful musical in Santa Clarita, CA, directed by Mission Opera’s Artistic & Executive Director Joshua Wentz.
The musical was a wonderful audio/visual pleasure for anyone who enjoys musicals and theater. There was acting, dancing, opera and really enjoyable 2 hours of live entertainment. I enjoyed every moment of it and would watch it again.
Apparently, ‘The Merry Widow’ by Franz Léhar is one of the most popular operettas in history that I had a chance to see for the first time. It reminded me of the musicals I have had a chance to see in London and Broadway, New York when I was younger on trips. The version we have seen was an adaptation by Dr. Joshua Wentz which was set in the 1980s. As he mentioned during his presentation, it included a very colorful and fun wardrobe.
We have flashbacks of our childhood or youth as British Royalty and Rock/Pop Stars from the past are on stage such as Elton John, Freddie Mercury, and George Michael, who were desperately trying to hold on to power.
Jessica Schneiderman was the prime star of the show as Madonna, alongside MO newcomer Julia Behdudov in the titular role. The show also marked the debut performances of Jacob Stucki as George Michael and Lily Berthold as Princess Di, joined on stage by returning cast members Gabriel Manro, Eric Castro, Kirk Garner, Robert Dunlap, Jason Vincent, and Catherine Samartin. Maestro Brian Stone returned to the helm of the orchestra with Music Director & Accompanist Lindsay Aldana.
The production was directed by Wentz and featured a multimedia design on the 46’ LED screen, creatively combining traditional theater with contemporary video design and virtual settings.
In terms of the story, there is a fun made-up story of Princess Diana having an affair with George Michael. Buckingham Palace is after Madonna to bring their pop culture to the top level. They’d like Madonna to declare British citizenship to put the Crown back on top of British pop.
George Michael gives a mix tape to Princess Diana as a show of his affection and crush on her. Meanwhile, Elton John parties at Roxy and tries to convince Madonna to become British. Boy George and Freddy Mercury also give it a shot. Michael Jackson was performed on stage from his young days fairly well also. It goes around on this pop/rock and royalty culture romantic and dramatic story.
The show was a colorful delight and musical performances were on point. Such talent both in musical and acting performances from these young people... I don’t want to give away too much more about the story, but I should say it’s a must not be missed out show, for fun 80s nostalgia.
I have reviewed an Opera of Girondines from the same company, Mission Opera, before and I will be on the looks for their upcoming shows in Santa Clarita. It really gives both the audience and participants an appreciation of opera and musical theater. I hope they will continue to do so. For more info:
Here is the Production Team:
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/mission-opera/65ef6f12f0d706146c8b90a4/creative
The Cast:
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/mission-opera/65ef6f12f0d706146c8b90a4/cast
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