GRACIOUSLY SPONSORED BY THE LEDDEN FAMILY.

CAST

PRODUCTION TEAM

Conductor Stephanie Rhodes Russell makes her Opera Orlando debut leading the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, with artistic director Grant Preisser directing this original, updated production that takes inspiration from the life and experiences of Molly Bloom. Internationally renowned soprano Cecilia Violetta López returns to Opera Orlando as Violetta, whose plight in the original story is a perfect parallel to Bloom. Both Violetta and Bloom own their life choices and navigate their questionable circumstances with a moral integrity that makes the tragic ending of the opera all the more heartbreaking. She will be joined by Victor Ryan Robertson and Thomas Cannon, both making their company debuts as father and son Germont.

The stellar cast will also feature members of the Opera Orlando Chorus and dancers from the Orlando Ballet.

MORE OF THE MAINSTAGE

SYNOPSIS

ACT I

Violetta Valéry runs the most exclusive poker game in the world, and she is dying of cancer. Wrapping up one of her games in the penthouse of a New York hotel, she is introduced to Alfredo Germont, a playboy, man-about-town who has been wanting to join her game for a while. The after party has begun and the guests call for a toast, which Alfredo obliges. He celebrates true love. Violetta responds in praise of free love. Suddenly she feels faint, and the guests give her space as they get more food and drink in the next room. Alfredo remains behind and declares his love for Violetta. Yearning for something more than the game in her life, she gives him a camellia, asking him to return when the flower has faded. Excited with the chance to see her again, Alfredo exits. Alone, Violetta is torn by conflict — she doesn’t want to give up her way of life, but at the same time she feels that Alfredo has awakened her desire to be truly loved.

Time has passed and Violetta has retired from poker for a life with Alfredo at her home in the Hamptons. When Alfredo discovers that their life is only possible because Violetta has been selling her property, he vows to make things better for the two of them. While Alfredo leaves to figure out how best to help, his father, Giorgio Germont, arrives to meet and confront Violetta. He demands that she separate from his son, as their relationship threatens his daughter’s impending marriage and besmirches the family name. However, over the course of their conversation, Germont comes to realize that Violetta is not after the family money — she is a woman who loves unselfishly. He appeals to Violetta’s generosity of spirit and explains that her relationship with Alfredo has no future. Violetta’s resistance dwindles and she finally agrees to leave Alfredo forever. Only after her death will he learn the truth about why she returned to her old life. She accepts an invitation she received earlier to go back to her game in New York, now run by Flora. Alfredo returns to find a note from Violetta saying good-bye. As he reads it, his father appears to console him, which proves useless. All the memories of home and a happy family can’t prevent the furious and jealous Alfredo from seeking revenge for Violetta’s perceived betrayal.

INTERMISSION

ACT II

Back at the penthouse, Flora’s poker game is well underway, as is the talk of Violetta and Alfredo’s separation. Finally, Violetta arrives with Baron Douphol, her new investor in the game, followed quickly by Alfredo. A heated game commences between Alfredo and Baron with Alfredo winning a fortune. Bored with the game, the guests move to dinner, leaving Alfredo and Violetta alone. Violetta continues to hold Alfredo off claiming to now be in love with the Baron. In his rage Alfredo calls the guests as witnesses, declares he doesn’t owe Violetta anything, and signals the FBI to raid the party and arrest Violetta for racketeering and money laundering. Giorgio Germont, who has also joined the party, rebukes his son for his behavior, and Baron threatens Alfredo for his callousness.

Violetta, now clear of the federal charges, has lost everything and is in the hospital dying. Her last remaining friend, Doctor Granville, knows that she has little time left. Alfredo’s father has written to Violetta, informing her that his son is safe and that, full of remorse, Germont has told Alfredo about Violetta’s sacrifice. Alfredo wants to rejoin her as soon as possible. Violetta is afraid that he might be too late, but Alfredo does arrive and the reunion fills Violetta with a final euphoria. Her energy and exuberant joy of life return. All sorrow and suffering seems to have left her, but it is a final illusion before her cancer claims her.

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