Puccini's simple premise in Madama Butterfly is intensely dramatized by his brilliant usage of both Japanese and Western-sounding melodies.

"Puccini was an incredible showman," director Tim Albery told the University of Alberta's The Gateway. "His skill in writing was amazing. The little twists and turns in his operas are so well thought through and he has a real flare for telling a story in a really clever theatrical way, yet it's still quite honest."

This ties together 50 years of productions for Edmonton Opera, as Madama Butterfly  was first performed at the Jubilee in October 1963. We are thrilled that three of the original cast members — Ermanno Mauro (Pinkerton), Diane Gibson Nelsen (Cio-Cio-San) and Kathryn Forrest (Suzuki) will join us in the audience on opening night, April 5. The Edmonton Journal wrote a short piece on Diane Gibson Nelsen here. 

Don't miss your chance to see this beautiful opera (Edmonton Journal preview can be read here) — tickets can be purchased online, through the mobile app or by calling the box office at 780.429.1000.

We would also like to remind you that tickets will be scanned immediately upon entering both the north and south entrances of the Jubilee Auditorium. Please make sure each member of your party has their ticket. Ticket pick-up will be at Will Call located in front of the north doors; volunteers will be available to guide you there from the south doors. 

If you have already purchased your tickets, please consider forwarding this email to a friend or family member.