St. Petersburg Opera Co Presents Madama Butterfly June 10-14

St. Petersburg Opera Co. is presenting Puccini's beloved Madama Butterfly on June 10, 12, and 14 at the Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg.

Only fifteen, Cio-Cio San (Butterfly) renounces her ancestral faith and customs and enters into a marriage contract with an American naval officer, Pinkerton. The sequence of events moves us through joy, tears, hope, and tragedy. Add Puccini's beautiful music and we have perhaps the most beloved opera--the basis for countless films, commercials, and the Broadway hit, Miss Saigon.

American Stage Theater's Todd Olson returns to stage direct a fabulous cast including Lara Tillotson and Matthew Edwardsen, both recently at Sarasota Opera. Maestro Mark Sforzini leads the professional orchestra, singers, and 30+ choristers. The production is fully staged with traditional costumes and English surtitles.

John Fleming of the St. Petersburg Times said St. Petersburg Opera "seduces the eye and ear" in "intimate staging at the Palladium Theater" to create "opera that is really appealing".

This production is sponsored by Dr. Zena Lansky in honor of her husband, Warren L. Rodgers.

Performances on June 10 and 14 are at 7:30 p.m., June 12 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available from the Palladium Theater, 727-822-3590 or online at www.stpeteopera.org. The Palladium Theater is located at 253 Fifth Ave. N. in downtown St. Petersburg. High resolution photos available upon request.