Contact: Whitney Hale

UK ’s “Madama Butterfly” takes the stage at the Lexington Opera House.

Tickets for the "Madama Butterfly" performances are available by calling the UK Singletary Center for the Arts ticket office at (859) 257-4929 or purchased online.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 23, 2005) -- Giacomo Puccini’s timeless classic, "Madama Butterfly," is being presented by the University of Kentucky's Opera Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 and 26 at the Lexington Opera House.

“Madama Butterfly” tells the story of a young Japanese woman, Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly), who marries an American naval officer, Lieutenant Pinkerton. The two take part in a marriage ceremony that she takes to heart, but that her mate does not. Puccini’s music, passionate in nature, entices the audience into hoping all will turn out well for the fragile Butterfly. A foredoomed and forsaken Butterfly waits faithfully for her husband’s promised return, a return that will surely end in tragedy.

Sally Stunkel, an adjunct professor with both UK’s School of Music and the Department of Theatre, will act as guest stage director. Stunkel directed UK’s 2003 production of the “Marriage of Figaro.” The opera, staged by a cast of UK students and three alumni, will be conducted by John Nardolillo, director of UK Symphony Orchestra. Bob Haven, assistant professor of costume technology in theatre, is contributing as costumer for the opera. Haven and a crew of three student assistants produced the collection of costumes for “Madama Butterfly.” Their work will be included in a book Haven is writing about Japanese costume patterning and construction techniques.

Tickets for the "Madama Butterfly" performances are available by calling the UK Singletary Center for the Arts ticket office at (859) 257-4929 or purchased online. Ticket prices range from $12 to $32 for reserve seating.