Merry Widow Anniversary

This website is very grateful to CM from Glasgow for sending us a copy of this wonderful souvenir from the second anniversary of The Merry Widow in 1909. This 87 page hardbound book contains the story of the play, in verse, by Adrian Ross and these delightful watercolours. Note that the title page says this is the first anniversary souvenir, so it would appear to be that volume, rebound, with the letter ‘to the Public’ from George Edwardes stuck in.
 

Merry Widow Anniversary

To the Public,
To-day “The Merry Widow” celebrates her second birthday at this Theatre.
Her sweet love-story, wedded to the music of Franz Lehar, has been received with acclamation throughout the world.
On my part, no effort was spared to make the English production, in originality and invention, worthy of the traditions of Daly’s Theatre and pre-eminent among the productions of all nations.
The magnificent generosity and consistency of your support has set the seal of success upon my efforts.
I beg you to accept my most sincere and grateful thanks.

Yours very faithfully,
Geo Ewardes

Daly’s Theatre,
London.
June 8th, 1909.

 

 

 

Please click on the thumbnails to view larger images.

  Merry Widow Anniversary
Edwardes' letter, 8th June 1909.
Merry Widow Anniversary
Titlepage from first anniversary edition.
Merry Widow Anniversary
Miss Lily Elsie
Merry Widow Anniversary
"Partners here in plenty!".
Merry Widow Anniversary
Novikovitch consults the Popoffs.
Merry Widow Anniversary
Guests at the Embassy.
Merry Widow Anniversary
Madame Sonia.
Merry Widow Anniversary
Popoff "What a wheedler!".
Merry Widow Anniversary
Danilo and Sonia.
Merry Widow Anniversary
Frou-Frou.
Merry Widow Anniversary
"The Women! How to win them."
Merry Widow Anniversary
Duet and Dance.
Merry Widow Anniversary
Natalie and Jolidon.
Merry Widow Anniversary
The Prince's Story.
Merry Widow Anniversary
At the Supper Party.
Merry Widow Anniversary
"Au Revoir."

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