Opera

The Merry Widow

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(143)

Sandra M

Solo

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

There is only one Sydney Opera House and it sits on the end of a peninsula seemingly in the middle of a stunningly beautiful harbour, Sydney Harbour. So to enhance this wonderful production of the operetta The Merry Widow, we sipped a glass of sparkling during one of the two intervals, looking out across the harbour. This performance of The Merry Widow had it all - passionate singing to beautiful live music, fabulous costumes and dynamic dancing. The acoustics in the theatre make the music and singing an extraordinary experience. Very highly recommended as a memorable experience.

Douglas L

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Over 75 years ago, as a pre-teen child, I was introduced to the music of The Merry Widow through my parents (who never sang in public) singing Vilja and other songs around the house and from vinyl records. Although very familiar with the music, until 31 July, 2026 I had never seen it performed. Not only was the performance at Sydney Opera House one I absolutely loved, but it was able, also, to evoke memories that I, now in my mid 80's, cherish. It was a wonderful performance. Thank you Opera Australia (and Franz Lehar).

Dianne M

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The costumers was so beautiful, the performance was the best I have seen in years. Knowing Alexander Flood and having never heard her sing before, her role as the second lead, made for a wonderful attendance and excellent entertainment. The casting, the dancing and of course the magnificent voices made for a memorable evening, thankyou

Katharine H

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Amazing costumes and music! So lovely to have a full orchestra and brilliant acting and musical performance. Wonderful having the opera in English too! The subtle humour was expertly expressed and spoken. Overall an amazing opera, musical performance and acting all in one show at the beautiful Sydney Opwra House!!

Regula S

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

This opera (operetta) meant an evening of pure entertainment for us. We enjoyed the partly well known music, the acting, the ballet scenes. Thanks to the surtitles it was relatively easy to understand the performers. We also found our seats excellent.

Gary R

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The set was astoundingly good and the choreography was quite marvellous. The players engaged with the audience and their delivery provoked lots of laughter. The leading lady was also an enthusiastic performer and her singing left nothing to be desired.

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.

143 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.
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Guests from United States, New Zealand, Hong Kong and over 17 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Brandon S
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Everything! Front row with the orchestra is another level of entertainment. The cast was exceptional, the venue, stunning . Our first time in Sydney Australia and the Opera...what an outstanding way to visit Sydney. Thank you
Sandra M
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
There is only one Sydney Opera House and it sits on the end of a peninsula seemingly in the middle of a stunningly beautiful harbour, Sydney Harbour. So to enhance this wonderful production of the operetta The Merry Widow, we sipped a glass of sparkling during one of the two intervals, looking out across the harbour. This performance of The Merry Widow had it all - passionate singing to beautiful live music, fabulous costumes and dynamic dancing. The acoustics in the theatre make the music and singing an extraordinary experience. Very highly recommended as a memorable experience.
Dianne M
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The costumers was so beautiful, the performance was the best I have seen in years. Knowing Alexander Flood and having never heard her sing before, her role as the second lead, made for a wonderful attendance and excellent entertainment. The casting, the dancing and of course the magnificent voices made for a memorable evening, thankyou
Katharine H
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Amazing costumes and music! So lovely to have a full orchestra and brilliant acting and musical performance. Wonderful having the opera in English too! The subtle humour was expertly expressed and spoken. Overall an amazing opera, musical performance and acting all in one show at the beautiful Sydney Opwra House!!
Regula S
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
This opera (operetta) meant an evening of pure entertainment for us. We enjoyed the partly well known music, the acting, the ballet scenes. Thanks to the surtitles it was relatively easy to understand the performers. We also found our seats excellent.

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.