THE Philippine Ballet Theatre is set to stage an adaptation of The Merry Widow based on The Merry Widow Operetta which premiered on 13 November 1975 at Palais Theatre, Melbourne , Victoria Australia.

The Neo Classical Ballet with play dates Sept. 30, 3pm & 8pm and Oct. 1, 3pm will be choreographed by Ron Jaynario. Playing the role of the merry widow are Veronica Atienza and Kim Abrogena. 

Guest artist from The Berlin Staats opera Martin Buczko plays Count Danilo Danilovitsch, Ponteverdrian Diplomat.  Other artists in the production are Lobreza Pimentel and Regine Magbitang as Valencienne (Baron Zeta’s wife); Peter San Juan and Julafer Fegarido alternating as Count Camille de Rosillon: (French Attach  to the Embassy);  Anatoly Panasyukov as Baron Mirko Zeta: ( Ponteverdrian Ambassador to France) and Joel Matias who will play Njegus: (Private Secretary to the Ambassador).

The Merry Widow is set in an ante-room in the Pontevedrian Embassy in Paris 1905. A ball is to be held that evening at the Pontevedrian embassy to celebrate the birthday of the Grand Duke, the Duchy of Pontevedro. Baron Zeta arrives and informs Njegus that Pontevedro is bankrupt. Njegus gives him a telegram that says a rich Pontevedrian widow, Hanna Glawari is attending the embassy ball. 

The Baron wants Count Danilo to merry the widow so that her money will stay in Pontevedro.  Valencienne comes into the room and everyone drinks to the health of the Duke.  Valentienne flirts with Camille. Camille gives in to Valencienne.  While the couple is flirting, Njegus comes back unnoticed, he hides under the table to the surprise of Camille and Vallencienne.