Coachella Valley Classical Voices Presents The Merry Widow
An Evening of Romance, Intrigue, and Operatic Glamour – benefiting Palm Canyon Theatre
Palm Springs, Calif., (May 5, 2026) – Palm Canyon Theatre presents The Merry Widow, produced by Coachella Valley Classical Voices (CVCV), running May 22–24, 2026. Composed by Franz Lehár, this beloved operetta blends sweeping romance, sophisticated comedy, and Viennese charm in a sparkling theatrical experience that has enchanted audiences for more than a century.
Set in a lavish Parisian embassy, the story centers on Hanna Glawari (Jenne Carey), a wealthy widow whose fortune is vital to her homeland’s financial future. Determined officials’ scheme to see her remarried within their ranks, but Hanna has plans of her own—particularly when her former suitor, Count Danilo (Luke Rainey), reenters her life. As flirtation, deception, and jealousy unfold across glittering ballroom scenes, love and
laughter prove impossible to contain.
Featuring a rich and melodic score filled with waltzes, romantic duets, and comedic ensembles, The Merry Widow offers a blend of operatic grandeur and playful storytelling. The production invites audiences into a world of elegance, wit and timeless romance.
The talented cast of Coachella Valley vocalists includes Judi Russo as Valencienne, Charles Gallagher as Camille de Rosillon, Paul Crane as Baron Zeta, David Brooks as Njegus, Ric Durity as Pritschitch, Mark Wilensky-Ziemann as Kromov, Andrew Taines as Bogdanovitch, Ty Carson as Cascada, Fiona Sarchett as Sylviane and Frou-Frou, Denise Rooney as Lulu, Sanai Wright as Olga and Dodo, Stevie Gold as Gigi, Noah Wahlberg as Fifi, Thelma Irvine as Margot, and Eddy Moya as St. Brioche. The ensemble includes Michele Davis, Darrin Dikes, Linda Mack Berven and Matt Walker.
The production is directed by CVCV’s founding director Doug Nagel with music direction by Linda Mack Berven and Chuck Peery. Scenic and lighting design are by J.W. Layne with projections by Nick Edwards, and costumes by Derik Shopinski. Also, making his PCT debut, is choreographer Keith Mottola.
The Merry Widow runs at Palm Canyon Theatre from May 22–24, 2026. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets, including fees, are $46 for general admission and $20 for students with I.D. Group discounts are available. For tickets or more information, call the PCT box office at 760-323-5123 or visit palmcanyontheatre.org. Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Box office hours are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
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About Palm Canyon Theatre:
Palm Canyon Theatre is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the education of live stage production and the enrichment of the greater Palm Springs community and its visitors. The regional repertory theatre company operates primarily with volunteers and produces about 11 Broadway musicals and classic plays each year, special concerts, plus offers a children’s theatre summer camp.
The theatre first opened its doors in 1997 when Dr. William “Bill” Layne and his family renovated the historic Frances S. Stevens School building, located at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road in Palm Springs, Calif.
