Presented in the intimate surroundings of the Robert Baustian Theatre (Murphy Hall), La Traviata leaps to tragic life as the fragile and consumptive Violetta Valery discovers her adoring Alfredo, only to sacrifice herself later on the altar of that love. In transforming Alexander Dumas's novel and stage play Camille into an operatic tour de force for the soprano of the title role, Verdi created one of the most popular opera and musical score characters. Verdi historian Julian Budden states, "Violetta, as idealized as she is, becomes in Verdi's hands intensely human and heroic, as well; and no one need feel the loss of the novel's realistic detail. In La Traviata the myth achieves its most perfect form. Dumas' play remains a faded period drama needing the talents of a great actress to restore it to life; La Traviata is an undying masterpiece."Tim Ocel, associate professor of opera and artistic director of KU Opera comments, "Verdi, in his exploration of watching the courtesan Violetta expire, writes an extremely melodic and versatile score that always underscores the psychological intensities of his heroine and moves rapidly to its conclusion. As in the novel, we present Violetta through the memory of her lover, Alfredo, as he relives his time with her."The role of Violetta will be performed, on alternating evenings, by Andrea Garritano and Tausha Torrez. KU Opera's production will be sung in Italian with projected English subtitles. The costumes have been designed by John Lehmeyer and rented from AT Jones and Sons of Baltimore, Maryland. Lighting design will be by KU Theatre Arts student Robert Figueira, a Lawrence native.Performance dates are January 24, 26, 29, 31 and February 2 in the Robert Baustian Theatre. All performances begin promptly at 7:30 pm.Tickets are available at the Lied Center Box Office (785-864-ARTS) or Murphy Hall Box Office (785-864-3982). Adults: $15.00 Students/Seniors: $7.00For more information, contact the Department of Music and Dance in KU's School of Fine Arts at 785-864-3436. Cast List:Violetta Valery Andrea Garritano / Tausha TorrezFlora Bervoix Jennifer WhiteAnnina Kerry GotschallAlfredo Germont Charles MartinezGastone James PlanteGiorgio Germont Matt Haney / Lane JohnsonBaron Douphol Joe HagerDoctor Grenvil Tyler SimpsonMarquis D'Odigny Josh LawlorGiuseppe/Ensemble Chris BohlingMessenger/Ensemble Michael AustinEnsemble Ashley BenesEnsemble Olivia BetzenEnsemble Lauren HendersonEnsemble Katie Bieber
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