Lyric Opera of Chicago

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by Giacomo Puccini
In Italian with projected English texts.
New-to-Chicago Production. Coproduction of Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, and Grand Théâtre de Genève.
Approximate running time: 2h 50m

Lovely geisha Cio-Cio-San—she’s a child bride who gives up her family, her religion, and her culture to marry the callous American naval officer B. F. Pinkerton.

They savor just a few nights of ecstasy and then he sails blithely away, leaving her with the cruel hope that one fine day he’ll return. Eventually, three years later, he does. But now she’s the mother of their little son—and he’s come back with a “real” American wife.

Utterly destroyed, Butterfly sees just one way to do what’s best for her child—and brings her own tragic story to an end.

Madama Butterfly features some of opera's most famous music, including Cio-Cio San's heartbreaking "Un bel di" and the beautiful "Humming Chorus."

Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage has produced landmark opera and musical-theater productions on both sides of the Atlantic. This Butterfly is “subtle...refreshing...and breathtakingly beautiful.” Houston Chronicle

Lyric Opera coproduction generously made possible by Mr. and Mrs. J. Christopher Reyes, James N. and Laurie V. Bay, the Walter E. Heller Foundation in honor of Alyce H. DeCosta, and the Estate of Howard A. Stotler.

Starring

Cio-Cio-San

Amanda Echalaz

October 15-30

“Thrilling to watch and hear” (The Guardian, London), South African soprano Amanda Echalaz sings at major houses everywhere and counts Tosca, Manon Lescaut, and Butterfly among her triumphs.
Cio-Cio-San

Patricia Racette

January 11-26

Patricia Racette: “Mesmerizing…she portrays Cio-Cio-San with the freedom and passion that only come from exploring the deepest musical and psychological corners of the role.” Chicago Sun-Times
Pinkerton

James Valenti

October 15-30

From La Scala to London, James Valenti makes his mark with his splendid voice and acting prowess. “His Pinkerton is the archetypal all-American hunk.” The Guardian, London
Pinkerton

Stefano Secco

January 11-26

Stefano Secco: This tenor lives and breathes the role of Pinkerton—“here is gorgeous, nuanced Italianate tenor singing” that audiences everywhere crave. Opera News

	Cio-Cio-San Amanda Echalaz* Oct. 15–30
	Cio-Cio-San Patricia Racette Jan. 11–26
	Pinkerton James Valenti* Oct. 15–30
	Pinkerton Stefano Secco* Jan. 11–26
	Suzuki MaryAnn McCormick
	Sharpless Christopher Purves*
	Goro David Cangelosi
	Conductor Marco Armiliato*
	Original Director Michael Grandage*
	Revival Director Louisa Muller
	Designer Christopher Oram*
	Original Lighting Designer Neil Austin*
	Revival Lighting Designer TBA
	Chorus Master Michael Black