DePaul Opera Theatre, under the direction of Harry Silverstein, will partner with Chicago-favorite conductor Francesco Milioto to present one of the most beloved operettas of all time—Franz Lehár’s ‘The Merry Widow.” Opening night is March 16 at 7:30 p.m., with additional performances on March 17 at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee on March 18 at 2 p.m. at DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Dr., in Chicago.

As in past years—DePaul Opera Theatre has presented opera for almost two decades—this production of “The Merry Widow” will be sung in English and fully staged, complete with lavish costumes and sets. The 15 principal singers and 20 choristers are all members of DePaul Opera Theatre, which, under the stewardship of Silverstein, has become an increasingly successful training workshop for music students seeking a professional career in voice.

According to Silverstein, the decision to present “The Merry Widow” was an easy one. “Arguably, it is the most popular operetta in the world. It is a much-loved comedy brimming with familiar tunes—music that people look forward to hearing again and again,” he said. “There are a number of roles that are well-suited to young singers, so all in all it is a wonderful choice for students and audiences alike.”

Accompanying the singers will be a 43-piece ensemble drawn from DePaul’s Symphony Orchestra led by Canadian-born conductor and pianist Francesco Milioto. Known for his enthusiasm and passion for making music, Milioto is involved in operatic, choral and theatre projects throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. He is currently in his fourth season as music director of Opera Theatre North. He also serves as a featured accompanist with the Chicago Children’s Choir and assistant conductor of the Highland Park Strings. During the past three years, he has held the title of music director for opera productions sponsored by the City of Chicago at the Chicago Cultural Center. These performances of “The Merry Widow” mark his first project with DePaul Opera Theatre.

Costumes for the production are the creations of Lindsay Pate and the set designs are by Noelle Hathaway. With an Art Deco look and feel to the production, Silverstein believes “the sparkle of the music is reflected in the lavish look of the production.” Pate is a 2005 graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul and is currently an adjunct faculty member at Roosevelt University, where she teaches a course in stage makeup. Hathaway has worked on several DePaul Opera Theatre productions previously and is also a DePaul alumnus.

Lehár was already the leading operetta composer of his day when he penned “The Merry Widow” in 1905. From the start, this innovative slice of musical theatre was considered a masterpiece of astonishing vitality. Based on a play by Henri Meilhac, the action of this romantic and merry comedy unfolds at a sequence of parties amidst the glamour and bustle of the Parisian court.

Tickets for “The Merry Widow” are on sale now at the box office of the Merle Reskin Theatre, or by calling 312/922-1999. Tickets are $20 and $25 for main floor and $5 for balcony seats. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups. DePaul students and employees, with identification, are entitled to two free tickets if requested and picked up at the box office the day of a performance. For more information about DePaul music events, please call the DePaul School of Music, 773/325-7260.