The Philippine Ballet Theatre presents for this year’s first season “The Merry Widow,” a delightful tale with tangled relationships, near misses, and jealous lovers.
This Franz Lehár operetta premiered in Vienna in 1905. Since then, “The Merry Widow” has inspired numerous choreographic adaptations by ballet companies around the world. Set in Paris, the city of love, it explores themes of forbidden and rekindled love, wealth, and deceit.
PBT’s “The Merry Widow” will have a special limited run at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. It opens on April 5 with a matinee at 3 p.m. and a gala performance at 7:30 p.m.
This PBT version is choreographed and presented by its artistic director, Ronilo Jaynario, in a way that will surely resonate with the Filipino audience’s appreciation for passion and drama. The dancers showcase their talents in classical ballet, character dance, mime, and theatrical acting.
Franz Lehár’s exquisite melodies will transport audiences to a world of romance, wit, and opulence in “The Merry Widow,” where every note celebrates love.
This ballet has been a gem in the company’s repertoire. Its inclusion in this season is an homage to its roots. Unbeknownst to many, “The Merry Widow” was among the first ballets the company has ever presented.
The version of former artistic director Julie Borromeo premiered in 1987, establishing PBT as a company with a sophisticated repertoire and innovative approach. It set the tone for what was to come. Almost four decades later, the ballet remains a testament to the vision of the founders: A company capable of performing Filipino works and a classical repertoire. This fifth restaging of “The Merry Widow,” aims to reaffirm that legacy.
Today, PBT is guided by an artistic council that continues the tradition it has established. Through this ballet, PBT wishes to honor PBT’s founding members, expressing gratitude for how they set the course toward the PBT of today, the National Performing Arts Company for ballet and contemporary dance.
This production is dedicated to PBT’s 11 founding members: Julie Borromeo, Felicitas Radaic, Steve Villaruz, Gener Caringal, Eddie Elejar, Leonor-Orosa Goquinco, Vella Damian, Sony Lopez-Gonzales, the late Tony Fabella, the late Eric Cruz, and the late Inday Gaston-Manosa. Their pursuit of a fresh approach to ballet remains the guiding light for PBT.
The PBT members in the cast of “The Merry Widow” are debuting in their respective roles. Jimmy Lumba will take on the lead role of Count Danilo Danilovistch, while Jessa Tangalin will portray the elusive Hanna Glawari. The role of Count Camille de Rosillon will be shared by Julafer Fegarido and Justine Joseph Orande, with Sophia Martina Tiangco and Gabbie Jaynario alternating as Valencienne. Bringing humor to the production, veterans Anatoly Panasyukov and Joel Matias will play Baron Mirko Zeta and Njegus, respectively.
PBT brings this season opener onstage with the support of its partners: Philippine Airlines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the National Performing Arts Companies.
