Madama Butterfly at Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Puccini's Madama Butterfly returns to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House for the first time in over a decade, directed by Mo Zhou, who frames the story not as a tragic romance but as a tale of survival and resilience rooted in power and exploitation. Set during Japan's Rokumeikan era, the production centers Cio-Cio-San's experience and engages directly with the opera's complex history of cultural representation. Soprano Eri Nakamura makes her U.S. debut in the title role, joined by tenor Joseph Dennis as Pinkerton, mezzo-soprano Kristen Choi as Suzuki, and baritone Levi Hernandez as Sharpless. The Opera Colorado Orchestra and Chorus perform under Music Director Ari Pelto and Chorus Master Sahar Nouri.