Oliver von Dohnányi, Music Director of the Prague National Theatre and Director of Slovak National Opera conducts John Copley's new production, part of ENO's 2007/08 Sky Arts Season. One of the world's most distinguished opera directors, Mr Copley has directed opera in most of the world's major opera houses staging 13 new productions at English National Opera, many with Sir Charles Mackerras and Dame Janet Baker, including the award-winning Julius Caesar.
Collaborating on ENO's new production is a team of high calibre including set designer Tim Reed, costume designer Deirdre Clancy and lighting designer Howard Harrison. Tim Reed has designed a wide range of productions for Dublin's Abbey and Gate Theatres, for the UK's foremost repertory theatres, including West Yorkshire Playhouse and The Crucible Sheffield, and for a host of European and UK opera companies. Deirdre Clancy is an Olivier and BAFTA Award winning costume designer specialising in period costume, who has worked on over 200 theatre and opera productions worldwide.
In the UK she has designed for the West End, the National Theatre, the RSC and ENO (La Belle Vivette; Don Quixote). Howard Harrison has created the lighting for numerous West End musicals and plays, including Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins (also on Broadway, where it earned him a nomination in the 2007 Tony Awards) and the hit production Rock n' Roll. The production will be choreographed by Anthony Van Laast (The Mikado for ENO and Mamma Mia West End & Broadway) and his co-choreographer Nichola Traherne. The English translation is provided by Jeremy Sams.
ENO is delighted to welcome back Amanda Roocroft, winner of the Olivier Outstanding Achievement in Opera award, for her searing portrayal of Janácek's Jenufa at ENO in 2006. Opposite her as Count Danilo is regular ENO Guest artist John Graham-Hall. The large cast also includes Fiona Murphy Valencienne, Alfie Boe Camille de Rosillon, Richard Suart Baron Zeta, Hal Cazalet Cascada and Daniel Hoadley St. Brioche amongst others. Making his ENO debut as Njegus is veteran stage and television performer Roy Hudd.
The Merry Widow forms part of ENO's 2007/08 Sky Arts Season and opens at the London Coliseum on Saturday 26 April 2008 for 12 performances.
Performance dates: April 26 (Press Night - early start at 6.30pm) & 29 (sign-language interpreted performance) and May 1, 3 (matinee at 3.00pm), 6, 7, 9, 10 (early start at 6.30pm), 20, 21, 29 & 30 at 7.30pm. -- www.eno.org
