Arizona Opera presents TOSCA

Arizona Opera is proud to present the first Mainstage production of its 2017/18 Season, Giacomo Puccini's Tosca, one of the most exciting and dramatic operas of all time.

Set in the turmoil of Rome in 1800, Tosca is one of opera's greatest stories, filled with heartbreak and revenge. The beautiful and fiery Italian diva, Floria Tosca, is passionately in love with the artist, Mario Cavaradossi, both dreaming of a life of passion together. Caught in the political intrigues of Rome and ensnared by a sinister web spun by Baron Scarpia, the Chief of Police, Tosca is desperately looking for a way out. Scarpia offers a solution: submit to him and he will let the couple leave the city unharmed.

But, of course, all is not what it seems in Puccini's high-stakes drama - and Tosca is forced to take matters into her own hands.

Arizona Opera's production of Tosca will feature an international-caliber cast, including company debuts of several leading artists. The title role of Tosca is sung by Kara Shay Thomson on November 11, 17, and 19, with Marcy Stonikas alternating on November 12 and 18. The role of Mario Cavaradossi is sung by Rafael Davila on November 11, 17 and 19, with Marco Cammarota alternating on November 12 and 18. International leading baritone and Arizona native, Gordon Hawkins, returns to the Arizona Opera stage as Scarpia on November 11, 17 and 19, with Russian-American artist, Aleksey Bogdanov, alternating on November 12 and 18. Steven White conducts, with Tara Faircloth directing.

John Johnson, Board Chair for Arizona Opera, stated, "I am delighted that we are presenting two operas this year that were among the first performed by the company when it was still the Tucson Opera Company. The first is Tosca, and the second is The Barber of Seville. For this production of Tosca, one of the easiest-to-love of all operas, we have assembled a stellar cast, which includes Tucson native and opera star, Gordon Hawkins, who has graced some of the world's greatest stages.

And, how fortunate we are to welcome the incomparable star Sherrill Milnes, who will be attending our opening performance in Phoenix and leading a master class for the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio earlier that week. Milnes is so well-known and admired for his portrayal of Scarpia, the role Mr. Hawkins will play in Tosca. It's a true embarrassment of riches that we can't wait to share with the community."

Tosca performs first at Tucson Music Hall on Saturday, November 11, at 7:30 PM, and on Sunday, November 12, at 2:00 PM. The production then moves to Symphony Hall in Phoenix with performances on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 PM, and on Sunday, November 19 at 2:00 PM. Tickets start at just $25.

To purchase tickets to Tosca, please visit azopera.org/tickets or call 602.266.7464 in Phoenix or 520.293.4336 in Tucson.

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