Amore Opera Presents MADAMA BUTTERFLY, 5/9-25

This spring, Amore presents Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) in a JapaneseKabuki inspired production. Conducted by Douglas Martin with stage direction by Nathan Hull, Madama Butterfly opens on May 9at The Connelly Theater in New York City and runs for twelve performances through May 25, 2014.

Artistic Director Nathan Hull studied traditional Japanese Kabuki theater during his undergraduate days, and Amore Opera's production of Madama Butterfly draws from his expertise as well as the expertise of several Japanese members of the cast. There are many elements drawn from the Kabuki theatre: Amore transforms the Connelly Theater allowing performers to makehanamichi entrances along a "flower walkway" to the left of the audience as is customary in Kabuki. The character of the Bonze, Cio-Cio San's uncle and patriarch of the family, is played as a supernatural being making sudden appearances in the Aragoto Kabuki tradition. Performers also utilize the technique of the mie, striking dramatic poses during moments of high intensity.

Madama Butterfly originally premiered on February 17, 1904 at La Scala in Milan before undergoing substantial revisions by Puccini for a subsequent premier on May 28, 1904 in Brescia. Its libretto is the work of Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, the same duo behind La Bohème and Tosca, and is based both on the semi-autographical 1887 French novel, Madama Chrysanthème by Pierre Loti, and the play Madame Butterfly by David Belasco which Puccini saw in London in 1900. The opera tells the story of a 15-year old Japanese geisha, Cio-Cio San known as Butterfly, who marries US Navy Officer Pinkerton stationed in Nagasaki. Pinkerton returns to the United States and marries an American wife. Unbeknownst to him, Cio-Cio San gives birth to their son and remains faithful to their marriage and the conviction that Pinkerton will return to her.

Madama Butterfly is one of the most famous, most beloved, and most produced operas of all time. Director Hull says, "In some ways, Amore Opera had shied away from producing Butterfly simply because of its familiarity, but now that we are in production, the sheer beauty of the music and the agonizingly brilliant construction of the libretto have underscored for us how richly deserved its popularity is." Hull also reports, "The wealth of talent involved in Amore Opera's Butterfly is stunning. There are times in rehearsal when I want to give a note or two, but literally can't find my voice because the emotions are so overwhelming. I think Amore audiences will be similarly amazed and transfixed."

At a time when many opera companies are folding, the Amore Opera Company, now completing its fifth season, is continuing in its mission to entertain, educate and nurture music appreciation in youth, seniors and community members through affordable live performances of classical and overlooked operas. Amore also provides a venue for a diversity of singers and musicians to perform in fully staged and orchestrated productions. Madama Butterfly will be presented with full orchestra and six rotating casts of talented singers.

In keeping with its spring Japanese theme, Amore Opera will also be presenting an 'All Kids' production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado as a part of its popular 'Opera-in-Brief' series. The show features a cast of twenty-four youngsters ranging in age from six to thirteen.

Madama Butterfly

by Giacomo Puccini (sung in Italian with English subtitles)

Conductor: Douglas Martin/Director: Nathan Hull

Friday, May 9 7:30PM

Saturday, May 10 7:30PM

Sunday, May 11 2:30PM

Thursday, May 15 7:30PM

Friday, May 16 7:30PM

Saturday, May 17 7:30PM

Sunday, May 18 2:30PM

Wednesday, May 21 7:30PM

Thursday, May 22 7:30PM

Friday, May 23 7:30PM

Saturday, May 24 7:30PM

Sunday, May 25 2:30PM

The Mikado

by Gilbert & Sullivan

Saturday, May 17 11:30AM & 2:30PM

Saturday, May 24 11:30AM & 2:30PM

Performances are at the Connelly Theater (220 East 4th Street). Tickets are $40 for general admission and $30 for Seniors, Students, and Children. All tickets are $20 for the Opera-in-Brief Series. Tickets are accessible by visiting the Amore Opera Website at www.amoreopera.org or by calling 1-888-811-4111.

Photo Credit: B.A. Van Sise for the Amore Opera