Madama Butterfly

Madama Butterfly
  • Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 7 pm
  • Century II Concert Hall

by Giacomo Puccini

  • Setting:

    Japan, 1900

  • Act I:

    Setting: Japan, 1900

    In a garden above Nagasaki, Japan, U.S. Navy Lieutenant B. F. Pinkerton inspects the house he has leased from a marriage broker, Goro, who has just procured him a geisha wife, Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly). The American consul, Sharpless, arrives and Pinkerton describes his carefree philosophy of a sailor roaming the world in search of pleasure. He is currently enchanted with Cio-Cio-San, but his 999-year marriage contract contains a convenient cancellation clause. Sharpless warns that the girl is not so casual, but Pinkerton brushes aside his concerns, vowing to marry a “real” American wife one day. Further discussion is interrupted by the arrival of the bride and her relatives. In a quiet moment, Butterfly confides to Pinkerton that she has decided to embrace his Christian faith. Soon the Imperial Commissioner performs the wedding ceremony, but the celebration is interrupted by Cio-Cio-San’s uncle, who bursts in cursing the girl for renouncing her ancestors’ religion. Pinkerton angrily sends the guests away. Alone with Butterfly in the moonlit garden, he dries her tears, and she joins him in singing of their love.

     

    ACT II: Three years later, Cio-Cio-San waits on the porch of her house for her husband’s return. Sharpless arrives with a letter from the lieutenant, but is interrupted when Goro arrives with a suitor, the wealthy Prince Yamadori. The girl insists Pinkerton has not deserted her. When they are alone again, Sharpless starts to read the letter and suggests Pinkerton may not return. Cio-Cio-San proudly carries forth her child, Dolore (Sorrow), saying that as soon as Pinkerton knows he has a son he surely will return. Moved by her devotion, Sharpless leaves without finishing the letter. Cio-Cio-San, on the point of despair, hears a cannon report signaling Pinkerton’s ship entering the harbor. Now delirious with joy, she orders Suzuki to help her fill the house with flowers. As night falls, Cio-Cio-San, Suzuki and the child wait for his arrival.

     

    ACT III: At dawn, Suzuki insists that Cio-Cio-San rest. Humming a lullaby, she carries her son to another room. Before long, Sharpless enters with Pinkerton, followed by Kate, his new wife. Suzuki realizes who the American woman is and collapses in despair, but agrees to break the news to her mistress. Pinkerton, seized with remorse, bids farewell to the scene of his former happiness, then rushes away. When Cio-Cio-San returns, she finds only Kate in the room. Guessing the truth, she agrees to give up her child if his father will return for him. Then, sending everyone away, she takes out the dagger with which her father committed suicide, choosing to die with honor rather than live in disgrace. As she raises the blade, Suzuki pushes the child toward her. Sobbing farewell, Cio-Cio-San sends him into the garden to play, then stabs herself. As she dies, Pinkerton is heard calling her name.

  • Act II:

    Three years later, Cio-Cio-San waits on the porch of her house for her husband’s return. Sharpless arrives with a letter from the lieutenant, but is interrupted when Goro arrives with a suitor, the wealthy Prince Yamadori. The girl insists Pinkerton has not deserted her. When they are alone again, Sharpless starts to read the letter and suggests Pinkerton may not return. Cio-Cio-San proudly carries forth her child, Dolore (Sorrow), saying that as soon as Pinkerton knows he has a son he surely will return. Moved by her devotion, Sharpless leaves without finishing the letter. Cio-Cio-San, on the point of despair, hears a cannon report signaling Pinkerton’s ship entering the harbor. Now delirious with joy, she orders Suzuki to help her fill the house with flowers. As night falls, Cio-Cio-San, Suzuki and the child wait for his arrival.

  • Act III:

    At dawn, Suzuki insists that Cio-Cio-San rest. Humming a lullaby, she carries her son to another room. Before long, Sharpless enters with Pinkerton, followed by Kate, his new wife. Suzuki realizes who the American woman is and collapses in despair, but agrees to break the news to her mistress. Pinkerton, seized with remorse, bids farewell to the scene of his former happiness, then rushes away. When Cio-Cio-San returns, she finds only Kate in the room. Guessing the truth, she agrees to give up her child if his father will return for him. Then, sending everyone away, she takes out the dagger with which her father committed suicide, choosing to die with honor rather than live in disgrace. As she raises the blade, Suzuki pushes the child toward her. Sobbing farewell, Cio-Cio-San sends him into the garden to play, then stabs herself. As she dies, Pinkerton is heard calling her name.

The Cast

Creative Team

CAST OF CHARACTERS

CIO-CIO-SAN, (Madama Butterfly)Yunnie Park
B. F. PINKERTON, U.S. Navy LieutenantKirk Dougherty
SHARPLESS, United States ConsulMichael Nansel
SUZUKI, Cio-Cio-San’s servantCharleen Ayers
GORO a marriage brokerPatrick Greene
THE BONZE, Cio-Cio-San’s uncleAndrew Hernandez
PRINCE YAMADORI, Cio-Cio-San’s wealthy suitorSamuel Ramey
YAKUSIDÉ, Cio-Cio-San’s UncleTerry McManis
THE IMPERIAL COMMISSIONERChris Loucks
THE OFFICIAL REGISTRARMirko D’Angelo
CIO-CIO-SAN’S MOTHERMonica Schmidt
CIO-CIO-SAN’S AUNTRebecca Robbearts
CIO-CIO-SAN’S COUSINErin Wright
KATE PINKERTONLindsey Ramey
DOLORE (SORROW), Cio-Cio San’s childEllie Juhnke
CHORUS: Cio-Cio San’s Relatives, Friends, and Servants

What to Expect

Let Us Help You Plan Your Opera Visit

Whether this is your first visit to Wichita Grand Opera or you’re a regular patron, we have all the information you need to plan your evening.

Before the Opera

Where to Stay

If you are visiting Wichita from out of town, we suggest staying at one of these recommended hotels.

Ambassador Hotel

Hotel at Waterwalk

Hotel at Old Town

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Wichita Downtown

Wichita Inn North

DoubleTree by Hilton

Red Roof Inn Wichita Airport

Clarion Inn Wichita Airport

Wichita Marriott

Hawthorn Suites

Where to Eat

Downtown Wichita and the nearby Delano District provide many dining options to enhance your opera experience.  Concessions are also available at the opera.

Cafe Bel Ami

AVI Seabar & Chophouse

Hana Cafe

Harvest Kitchen and Bar at the Hyatt Regency

Lotus Leaf Cafe & Creperie

Old-Town Sushi Bar By Wasabi

Rain Café and Lounge

River City Brewery

Sabor Latin Bar & Grill

Siena Tuscan Steakhouse at the Ambassador Hotel

Location

Except as noted, Wichita Grand Opera performs in the Century II Performing Arts Center in downtown Wichita.

Century II Performing Arts Center
225 W. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67202

 

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Seating (Including for Disabled Patrons)

To comply with ADA requirements, the following seats are reserved for our handicapped patrons:

Concert Hall

On House Right, Seating is available at:

  • Row M, Seats 123 & 124 (Best seating – $85 per seat)
  • Row S, Seats 124 & 125 (Better seating – $58 per seat)
  • Row KK, Seats 101-106 (Better seating $58 per seat) – Promenade Box
  • Row LL, Seats 107-112 (Good seating, $37 per seat) – Promenade Box

On House Left, Seating is available at:

  • Row M, Seats 22 & 23 (Best Seating – $85 per seat)
  • Row S, Seats 24 & 25 (Better seating – $58 per seat)
  • Row KK, Seats 1-6 (Better seating – $58 per seat) – Promenade Box
  • Row LL, Seats 7-12 (Good seating, $37 per seat) – Promenade Box

Frequently Asked Questions