A year after the English National Opera produced the world’s first opera in 3D video, Creston’s Tivoli Theatre is showing the famed London company’s second effort, Madam Butterfly.
“This is very exciting for us,” said Tivoli Theatre owner Bonnie Geddes. “With the installation of our state-of-the-art digital and 3D projection and sound systems, we are now able to offer some truly wonderful forms of entertainment.”
In previewing the film, Geddes commented that she was captivated by the clarity of the picture — in all three of its dimensions.
“At one point I leaned over to try to see behind one of the singers,” she laughed. “The 3D image is that real!”
Madam Butterfly, featuring the music of Giacomo Puccini, has long been one of the world’s most beloved operas. It related the story of Cio-Cio San, a Japanese geisha, who falls in love with, and weds, an American naval officer while his ship sits in Nagasaki harbour. He leaves soon afterward and returns three years later, not knowing that Cio-Cio San, or Butterfly, has borne his child.
Outstanding performances by Liping Zhang, who has been acclaimed worldwide in the role as Butterfly, and James Valenti as Pinkerton, dominate the simple, stylized stage setting.
This production of Madam Butterfly was filmed with 3D cameras during live performances at the Royal Opera House (Covent Garden) in London earlier this year.
“This is the first opera I have ever seen,” Geddes admitted. “And now that I know the story, I’ll probably enjoy it even more when I watch it again.”
The Tivoli Theatre has two showings scheduled for Madam Butterfly. It will be screened on Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Black Bear Books or the theatre box office. For more information, call 250-428-7469.