Madama Butterfly comes to Kelsey Theatre

Kelsey Theatre and New Jersey Lyric Opera present Verdi’s La Traviata and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly as part of an exciting first-ever opera summer series taking stage at Kelsey Theatre.

Madama Butterfly (July 8th and 9th at 2pm) tells is a lasting story of passion, culture, unrequited love and tragedy stars soprano Kristal Daniels as Butterfly, tenor Chris Lorge as Pinkerton, a naval lieutenant who marries Butterfly, baritone Thad Shirey as Sharpless, A US consul, and mezzo Teresa D’Andrea as Suzuki, Butterfly’s nurturing maid. Rounding out the cast are Chaka Allen, Christian Davakis, Devin McGuire and Sarah Joseph.

“It really is the juxtaposition of culture set to music that makes this story feel real when performed,” says John Calkins, the Artistic Director for NJLO. “Puccini was great at setting the ambience for the human condition that is breath-taking. Love and honor are a major part to this story and Butterfly is just that. You’ll also find iconic themes like the Star-Spangled Banner and Sakura that are songs still being taught in our schools today.” When asked about what is special about this cast, John replied ”I had the pleasure of hearing these fabulous artist first hand and it is thrilling.”

Tickets to La Traviata and Madama Butterfly are $25. Reserve tickets at kelsey.mccc.edu.