Details

An American naval officer (Pinkerton) 'acquires' a 15 year old Geisha wife during a stay in Japan - but has no intention of staying with her. After a while he returns to the USA and marries his fiancee. Meanwhile, Butterfly waits for him for three years, cut off from her family, religion and culture by being an American wife. And she is now a mother. When he finally returns she is overjoyed, but he brings with him his new wife. Story originally published in a magazine. Sung in Italian with English titles. Running time: 2hrs 30mins

Cast/Performers

Anne Sophie Duprels (Cio-Cio-San), Noah Stewart (Pinkerton Sep-Nov and March12), Rafael Rojas (Pinkerton - Feb12-Mar12 exc Mar12 17), Peter Savidge (Sharpless), Ann Taylor (Suzuki), Daniel Norman (Goro), Erica Eloff (Kate Pinkerton - Sep-Nov), Maribeth Diggle (Kate Pinkerton - Feb12 5-18), Erica Eloff (Kate Pinkerton - Feb12 21-Mar12 17), Andrew Greenan (Bonze - Sep-Nov / Mar12 13 / / 15 / 17), James Creswell (Bonze Feb12-Mar12), Paul Gibson (Prince Yamadori), Dean Robinson (Imperial Commissioner), Nicholas Butterfield (Official Registrar), Vivenne Bailey (Aunt), Rachel Mosley (Mother), Kathryn McGuckin (Cousin), Stephen Briggs (Yakuside)

Creatives/Company

Music: Puccini
Lyrics(s): Giuseppe Giacosa, Luigi Illica (1904)
Company: Opera North
Conductor(s): Daniele Rustioni (Sep-Nov apart from Nov 16 / 19), Robert Houssart (Nov 16 / 19), Mikhail Tatarnikov (Feb12-Mar12)
Director: Tim Albery
Design: Hildegard Bechtler
Costume: Ana Jebens
Lighting: Peter Mumford
Choreographer: Maxine Braham