AWARD-WINNING opera producer Ellen Kent has re-launched her quest to bring opera to the people with a stunning and emotional production of Madama Butterfly.
The show, featuring the internationally acclaimed Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv, is at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth on October 26.
Puccini’s popular tale, which was used as the basis for West End musical Miss Saigon, is a heartbreaking true story of a beautiful Japanese girl who falls in love with an American Naval lieutenant with dire consequences.
After producing her own shows for 29 years, Ellen changed direction to focus on developing her role as an artistic director in larger-scale productions. But she couldn’t resist the lure of the regional tours.
These fantastic new productions featuring beautiful sets and gorgeous costumes have taken 18 months to bring to stage.
Ellen said: “When the curtains open I want people to say: ‘Wow!’. I want to do opera that people actually want to see. I think this is my best Madama Butterfly ever – and I’ve done it dozens of times. It’s a very real performance that I think people will identify with and feel moved.
“My operas have to be emotional and beautiful. Mine isn’t minimalist – it’s traditional opera with a sexy feel.”
International Korean sopranos Rosa Lee Thomas and Elena Dee will be singing the role of Cio Cio San and Violetta, while ‘ladies favourite’ Andriy Perfilov is Pinkerton and Alfredo. They are joined by a 70-strong company including Ruslan Zinevych, who has sung with Pavarotti and performed Ellen’s operas at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Music is provided by the esteemed Kharkiv theatre orchestra, conducted and led by Vitalii Kutsenko.
Ellen added: “It feels so good to be returning with one of my favourite productions and even more so in light of the many letters I’ve received asking me why I stopped touring.
“It’s also very exciting to be working with a promoter I’ve always admired since he brought the Bolshoi Ballet to the Royal Albert Hall 20 years ago.”
To book tickets for Madama Butterfly call the box office on 0844 576 3000 or go online at bic.co.uk
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