MADAME BUTTERFLY

Lyric Opera Northwest

"Madame Butterfly is a simple tale, told in just a few sentences of lovely Italian and English subtitles ‹ but when coupled with the universal language of melodic voice and instrument, it's power is immense. One of the worldąs best-loved operas, Butterfly was conceived at the dawn of the 20th Century by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), one of the last great Italian Romantic opera composers and master of the verismo style in which the story and libretto is drawn from the lives of everyday people in real situations. Here, a U.S. Navy lieutenant weds a young Nagasaki woman, causing her family to cut her off. He returns to duty, and she waits. When he returns three years later with his new American wife, sure that Cio Cio San has forgotten him, he learns she is raising their child. When he asks for custody, she complies. All hope gone, her faith in love dashed, she makes the tragedy complete. Butterfly melds stunning arias with subtle chorus layers. If you hear just one opera this year, make it this."

Following sold-out performances of their "Carmen" last Fall, this new opera company is producing Pucciniąs masterpiece, Madama Butterfly for their fall production, 2006. Giacomo Puccini (1858- 1924) was the last great Italian Romantic opera composer and master of the verismo style in which the story and libretto is drawn from the lives of everyday people in real situations ‹ in this case, an American naval officer who underestimates the devotion of his young Japanese wife. One of the most beloved operas in the world, Madama Butterfly is an ideal choice for those new to the genre. Talented young singers are performing with seasoned professionals in this fully staged and costumed opera with live orchestra. Featured roles are being sung by Puget Sound area singers, Grace Eun and Dohee Kim, alternating as Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly), Gary del Rosario and Guy Bogar in the role of Lieutenant Pinkerton, and Jenny Knapp and Carla Hilderbrand alternating as Suzuki. The opera runs 2 hours 40 minutes including intermission, with refreshments available in the theater lobby area.

Tickets are $40.00 general admission, $35.00 for students and seniors. They are available from TicketWindow, online at www.TicketWindowOnline.com or by phone at (206) 325-6500. There will be four performances at Meydenbauer Center: Friday, Oct. 6, 8:00 PM; Saturday, Oct. 7, 2:00 and 8:00 PM; Sunday, Oct. 8, 2:00 PM.)

Northwest Opera Schedules