Two Camarillo residents in Moorpark's "Merry Widow"

Moorpark College Music Theater opens a two-week run of Franz Lehar's musical classic "The Merry Widow" on the Main Stage of the campus Performing Arts Center, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Nov. 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17, and 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 18.

"The Merry Widow" tells the story of Hanna, a peasant girl who is forced to marry a wealthy and elderly man to save her father from bankruptcy. When the man dies a week after the wedding, Hanna is a very merry widow.

The production is directed and produced by musical theater program founder and faculty member Marilyn Anderson, who has directed more than 50 shows at the college.

The play is accompanied by an orchestra to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Moorpark College Music Theater.

"We began doing one-acts, scenes and arias, with full productions in the summer. The program found its niche in the community and evolved into presenting fulllength productions every semester and several summers," said Anderson.

The musical theater program has been a training ground for many performers, and many students have gone on to further their talents at universities and conservatories, as well as professional careers locally, on Broadway and in Europe.

Local cast members are as follows:

Simi Valley: Catherine Miller, Ronald Rosen, Melanie McQueen, Thomas St. Cuir, Rachelle Dobin, Richard Thomson.

Moorpark: Michelle Eddy, John Acevedo, Peter Williamson

Camarillo: Jeff Wallach, Michael Ivers

Thousand Oaks: Kellie Porto, Nicholas Jerrems, Paul Panico, Grace Newberry, Christine Longenecker

Newbury Park: Francis Cabison, Kelsey Wood, Rebecca Tatum, Mardu Lydick

Agoura Hills: Emily Jackman, Ashley Morse

Ticket prices from $8 to $15 may be purchased through the box office at (805) 378-1485 or online at www.moorparkcollege.edu/pac.