Butterfly

On Saturday Danny and I saw Madama Butterfly broadcast live from The Met. Of all we have seen in the first three seasons of this series, we each rated this performance in our top two favourites.

I knew the music and story, although this was the first time I saw the whole three-and-a-half hour opera. It is one of the most popular in the repertoire, and among the most challenging soprano roles. From the moment Cio-Cio-San arrives for her wedding in Act One, she never leaves the stage except for a few minutes in Acts Two and Three, and sings almost constantly. Puccini's music is lush and lyrical, the characters human and compelling. A good performance is riveting.

Patricia Racette more than met the challenge. Her voice and personality filled the role to bursting, and she was utterly committed to Butterfly's journey through innocence beguiled and betrayed. Maria Zifchak was also memorable as the maid, Suzuki, but the title role dominates this opera.

Producer Anthony Minghella died last year, but this stands as a monument. Michael Levine's minimal sets were brilliant. The Blind Summit Theatre's traditional Chinese puppetry added a magical element, especially with Cio-Cio-San's son.

If you like opera, do not miss this one. Encore screenings appear in the US next week, March 18 and 19, and in Canada April 18. More information here.