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Contact: University Communications & Marketing
Phone (678) 839-6464, FAX (678) 839-6645
ucm@westga.edu
Madame Butterfly
February 22, 2005
CARROLLTON, GA - The University of West Georgia Opera Workshop will present the English-language version of Giacomo Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly” on Thursday, March 10, and Saturday, March 12, at the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts. Both shows will begin at 8:15 p.m.
“Madame Butterfly” is one of Puccini’s most famous operas and has been popular with audiences since its release in 1904. The opera tells the tragic story of a young Japanese woman named Cio Cio San and her marriage to B.F Pinkerton, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant. The marriage, arranged by Pinkerton until he can find a suitable American wife, results in a child and overall misery for all involved. Other operas by Puccini include “La Bohéme” and “Tosca.”
Dr. Larry Frazier, professor of music, is the director of the opera workshop. UWG students involved in the production are Valerie Beck of Cordele; Jennifer Andall, Meredith Leigh Bird, Cory Speakman, Rebekah Hogsed and Kerri Harshaw, all of Lawrenceville; Philip M. Jones and Darshena Wood of Union City; Alfredo Dale Edwards of Vidalia; Michael Burnaman of Woodstock; Richie Arnold and Andrew Patton of Carrollton; Ashley Schumm of Prattville, AL; and Debbie Monroe of Tallapoosa.
In addition to the large number of student singers in “Madame Butterfly,” two professional singers will augment the cast. UWG faculty voice instructor Julie Lowry, soprano, will star in the title role and UWG alumnus Benjamin Pruett, tenor, plays Lieutenant Pinkerton.
Professionally painted scenic drops and costumes will be built and designed by UWG alumna Melanie Evans Perry of Creative Costumes and piano accompaniment will be provided by Dr. Joel Williams, instructor of music at UWG.
Tickets for this production are available at the Townsend Center box office and are $10 for the general public, $7 for senior citizens, $3 for children 12 and under, and free with a UWG student ID.
For more information about this event, call 678-839-6516 or visit the UWG Department of Music website at http://www.westga.edu/~musicdpt/.
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