Meet Europe's wealthiest widow, pursued by every man in high society Paris, except the man she loves, when The DePaul Opera Theatre presents "The Merry Widow" by Franz Lehar for three performances in English March 10-12 at the Merle Reskin Theater, 60 E. Balbo Drive.

     The internationally popular operetta full of comedy, romance and lilting music will be presented with full orchestration at 7:30 p.m. on March 10 and 11 and at 2 p.m. on March 12. Tickets are $5 to $25 and can be purchased by calling (312) 922-1999.

     Harry Silverstein, director of The DePaul Opera Theater and "The Merry Widow," said the operetta has remained a perennial favorite because of its appeal to theater-goers of all ages. "This operetta is full of the best known and most loved waltz music to be found," he said. "With a wonderful love story and hilarious comedy, it is the perfect evening for the whole music-loving family."

     Silverstein, who directed "La Traviata" at the Lyric Opera of Chicago last year, is one of three Lyric staff members involved in the "The Merry Widow." Robert Kaminskas will conduct the DePaul Symphony for the operetta and Scott Marr has designed its lavish sets.

     The production features a cast and orchestra of 106 students who study in the highly respected performance program at DePaul's School of Music. Graduates of The DePaul Opera Theatre have appeared at the Lyric Opera, Metropolitan Opera and in theaters around the globe.

     World-renowned soprano Catherine Malfitano joined the school's faculty as Visiting Professor of Voice and Opera this season and the faculty has been further enhanced by the addition of full-time Associate Professor Ashley Putnam, a soprano who has performed leading opera roles internationally.