Center Stage Opera Presents MADAMA BUTTERFLY This Weekend

Center Stage Opera concludes its 2013-14 season with one of the most beloved operas of all-time, Puccini's Madama Butterfly. The tragic, tender story of a Japanese girl and and an American naval officer is told through one of Puccini's most poignant, moving scores.

Little wonder, then, that Madama Butterfly is the most performed opera in North America - there has been no other composer who has been able to capture such natural flow and music of poetry quite like Puccini. This fully-staged production will be presented with traditional Japanese costumes and staging, and is sure to be an unforgettable experience for both the eyes and ears.

We are most fortunate to have two exceptional sopranos bringing their considerable vocal and dramatic talents to the role of Cio Cio San ("Butterfly"). Both Adrien Roberts and Marina Harris have appeared in past CSO productions, and we are thrilled to welcome them back to the CSO stage.

Join us as Music Director Brian Onderdonk conducts the Center Stage Opera Orchestra in what is sure to be a spectacular sendoff to this marvelous season. Reserve your tickets today!

Praised in the San Francisco Chronicle for her "knockout combination of vocal power and expressive eloquence", soprano Marina Harris (Cio Cio San onSunday, June 8) is exciting critics and audiences alike. Recently, Ms. Harris garnered national attention as a last minute replacement for Patricia Racette in the role of Elena in Boito's Mefistofelewith the San Francisco Opera. As an Adler Fellow with the company, Ms. Harris performed in three world premieres in 2013. She is also the 2014 recipient of the George London Leonie Rysanek Award. Ms. Harris recently made her Carnegie Hall debut as part of their Neighborhood Concert Series, and in a master class with legendary soprano Jessye Norman.

Soprano Adrien Roberts returns to the Madrid Theatre stage in the title role of "Butterfly" (Cio Cio San) on Saturday, June 7. A long-time favorite of Center Stage Opera audiences, Ms. Roberts portrayed "Angelique" in CSO's world premiere of Marie's Orchard, and has appeared in the CSO productions of Die Fledermaus, Faust, La Boheme and The Marriage Of Figaro as well. She has performed with many other companies, and appeared in LA Opera's educational short, "Tanis In America". Ms. Roberts is also a past winner of the A.E.I.O.U. Vocal Competition.

MUSIC COMPOSED BY

Giacomo Puccini

PERFORMED AT

Madrid Theatre, Canoga Park, CA

APPROXIMATE RUN TIME

2 hours 45 minutes with 1 intermission

Sung in Italian with supertitles projected above the stage