Saluting ‘Widow’

“The Merry Widow” on public television Dec. 25 was a glorious production. Gorgeous singers, gorgeous singing, costumes, sets, orchestra, musical tension, everything! Reviewer Chris Pasles just didn’t get it (“Despite the Music, ‘Merry Widow’ Barely Survives Its Update,” Dec. 25).

I think it is the best production since the Elizabeth Schwarzkopf versions of 50 years ago, and in some ways better. The translation realized every nuance in blessedly understandable English. The stage business, which Pasles called “shtick,” such as the waiter tossing a full tray to another waiter, told us what we should understand: This is musical theater of the highest fun, beauty and art.

Daniel N. Fox

Pomona