A tale about a wealthy widow on the verge of bankruptcy dealing with forbidden love will be brought to life by TAMUK’s Opera and Orchestra group.
With two performances on April 27 and 28, audience members have an opportunity to watch an opera on campus for $5, or for free with a student ID. Merry Widow will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 27 and 3 p.m. April 28 in Jones Auditorium.
Students can expect a fun and energetic show full of singing, dancing and sparkling orchestral music.
Sudden plot twists, evening gowns and tuxedos will all set the mood for the fictional country of Marsovia.
“I was scared to take on the role because it’s my first year, I’ve never done a big role like this. However, as time passed by and Dr. Brou worked with me, I was able to get comfortable with my character a little more. The show will be extremely engaging, it’s really funny, it’s something different we don’t always see here in Kingsville,” said Victoria Corona, a music education major in the opera.
The actors of Merry Widow will embody the people of Marsovia and persuade Sonia, the protagonist, to marry one of her old Marsovian boyfriends in order to prevent her riches from ending up in the rival country of France.
“Adapting to changes, new people and new roles and stepping up as leaders getting and encouraging others to do their best. I’m not a widow, but it has been fun stepping up and exploring the character. I’m really excited to see it all come together,” said Irma Reyes, musical vocal performance major who is playing the role of Sonia.
The tale will have you on the edge of your seat, taking the audience on an adventure through the love life of Sonia, who is looking to marry for love only.
“It is my goal as a director to make the best possible product for both the students in the production, but also for the audience. I often tell the student singers that the production we are working might be the only experience that someone in the audience has ever had with opera — it is our job to make the show as entertaining as possible so that they leave the theater wanting more,” said Dr. Melinda Brou, director of Merry Widow.
Although, Merry Widow presented many challenges, the cast has prepared for a semester and is prepared to put on a show.