Metropolitan Opera Live in HD returns to Whitefish

The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD returns to Whitefish with a live on-screen performance of Guiseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata”. Considered one of the most popular operas of all time, “La Traviata” (“The Fallen Woman”) will be shown on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10:55 a.m. MST at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Approximate run time is just over 3 hours, including two intermissions. Tickets are sold only at the door which will open at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, paid by cash or check only.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles, “La Traviata” features Verdi’s most profound and heartfelt music. Described for us beginners as “Pretty Woman meets La Bohème” and the inspiration for the film “Moulin Rouge”, the story follows a high-priced courtesan who is forced to give up the only man she ever loved. The opera has captured the imaginations of audiences and performers alike with its accessible plotline, relatable characters, and recognizable melodies.

Verdi called this opera “a subject of the times.” In Act 1 (35 min), we meet Violetta Valery who, exhausted by her restless life as a courtesan, knows that she will die soon. When she meets the young Alfredo, who has cared for Violetta for a long time, she is touched by his honesty. Alfredo declares his love, but Violetta replies that there is no place for such feelings in her life. Alone, Violetta is torn by conflicting emotions – she doesn’t want to give up her way of life, but she feels that Alfredo has awakened her desire to be truly loved.

In Act 2 (65 min), Violetta and Alfredo are happily living together in the country three months later. Alfredo’s father Germont, however, pays an unexpected visit to Violetta, demanding that she end her affair with his son because the scandal of her profession has threatened Germont’s daughter’s engagement. In deference to his family, Violetta eventually gives in to his request and writes a farewell letter to Alfredo before leaving for her girlfriend’s ball in Paris. As Alfredo thinks Violetta has left him for another man, he follows her to Paris and insults her in front of the guests of the masked ball, hurling money at her as payment for her favors. Germont, coincidentally at the same ball, witnesses the unpleasant scene and rebukes his son for his bad behavior.

Finally, in Act 3 (30 min), Violetta is back in her apartment at death’s door, re-reading a letter from Germont explaining how he has told his son the truth about why Violetta left him. Alfredo is on his way to see her and ask forgiveness for the angry incident at the ball. Germont appears, too, and declares that she is like a daughter to him and begs for her mercy. After vowing with Alfredo to be together forever, Violetta feels her strength returning and her suffering gone – a final illusion before death ultimately claims her.

Soprano Nadine Sierra stars as Violetta, singing the role at the Met for the first time. She is most notable for her recent performance in the title role of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” in the Met’s Live in HD presentation in May 2022. Tenor Stephen Costello is her self-centered lover, Alfredo, alongside baritone Luca Salsi as his disapproving father, and Maestro Daniele Callegari on the podium. This production is by Tony-Award-winning director Michael Mayer, known for directing popular Broadway productions of “Spring Awakening”, “Hedwig and the Angry Itch”, and “Thoroughly Modern Mille”. His past Live in HD productions include Nico Muhly’s “Marnie” in 2018 and Verdi’s “Rigoletto” in 2013. Mayer has a gift for visual flair; he always delivers what one reviewer dubbed “the glitz factor,” which is reflected in this production’s colorful costumes, sets that change with the seasons, exceptional lighting techniques, and vivid dance choreography. Superstar soprano and four-time Grammy Award-winner Renée Fleming will host this transmission with an exclusive look behind the scenes.

Food and beverage will be available for purchase during the performance. This opera is the first of ten Metropolitan Opera Live in HD performances offered from November 2022 to June 2023. As this is a collaboration between the Whitefish Theatre Company and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, four operas will be shown at the O’Shaughnessy Center and six operas will be shown at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Please go to www.whitefishtheatreco.org to read about the entire Met Opera Live in HD season or call 406-862-5371 for more information.