Hong Kong Ballet's glamorous production The Merry Widow premièred to packed house at Hong Kong Cultural Centre last Friday 18 May 2007. An event of Le French May, The Merry Widow recreated the glamour of 1905 Paris on stage and received an enthusiastic response from dance lovers and audiences alike throughout the five performances.
The opening gala cocktail reception was hosted by Board Chairman John J. Ying during the intermission. Mr. Ying congratulated Artistic Director John Meehan and Choreographer Ronald Hynd who brought this fabulous production to Hong Kong. "We are fortunate to have the original creative team with us tonight. The Merry Widow sparkled with Hynd's humorous choreography as well as the versatility of the Company. It is also a great pleasure for us to be part of Le French May. We hope we will continue our collaboration in the next Festival."
The production in Hong Kong reunites Ronald Hynd and John Meehan, who was the very first Count Danilo three decades ago. Hynd said, "Working with Hong Kong Ballet has been an unending pleasure and a revelation. This is a company of the highest international standard. John Meehan has wonderfully put his mark upon the piece."
It was a glittering evening with the presence of over a hundred VIPs from the government, business, social, entertainment and arts sectors including Anna Pao Sohmen (
), Harriet Tung , Leung Nai-kong (
), Clarence Chang (
), Division Chief of Public, Culture and Sports Department of the Liaison Office of The Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mi Ji-hong (
), Stephen Jefferies (
), Yip Wing-sie (
), Jean M. Wong (
), Cheung Tak-lan (
), Kam Kwok-leung (
) and Yama Chan. Artistic Director of Australian Ballet, David McAllister, also flew to Hong Kong particularly for The Merry Widow première.
For enquiries, please contact Ms. Wong Mei-yee - Programme and Marketing Manager at 2105 9712.
Photos
 |
 |
| (from left) Kam Kwok-leung and John Meehan | (from left) David McAllister, Anna Pao Sohmen, John J. Ying, Jean M. Wong and Stephen Jefferies |
 |
 |
| (from left) Ronald Hynd, John Meehan and John J. Ying | (from right) Harriet Tung, John J. Ying, Lisa Ying |
 |
 |
| (from left) Frankie Yeung, Cheung Tak-lan and guests | (from right): Yama Chan and friend |
 |
 |
| Hong Kong Ballet Dancers Photo: Jimmy Chan |
Dancer (middle): Jin Yao as Hanna (Widow) Photo: Jimmy Chan |
 |
 |
| Dancer: Faye Leung as Hanna (Widow) Photo: Jimmy Chan |
Dancer:Faye Leung as Hanna (Widow), Zhang Yao as Count Danilo Photo: Jimmy Chan |
 |
|
| Dancers:Crystal Costa as Valencienne & Liang Jing as Camille Photo: Jimmy Chan |