Madama Butterfly by Singapore Lyric Opera

After 7 years, Singapore Lyric Opera staged Madama Butterfly at the Espalande Theatre.  The role of Cio-Cio-San was sung by Mako Nishimoto, her second time as reprising her role as Madama Butterfly.  She did a good job in this production, in particular the second and third act where we could feel her emotions.

Israel Lozano sang well in the role of Pinkerton.  The character wasn't well liked and it was amusing that he (or the character) was booed by some audience! 

John Antoniou did a good Sharpless.  Praise must be given to Anna Koor for her role in Suzuki.  She managed to stand her own among other singers.

While the singing was enjoyable, the staging was a bit disappointing. The stage design of a Japanese house with movable panels may have restricted the movement of the actors, in particular the ensemble.  The crowd scene tend to look a bit messy and distracting to the audience.  The crowd would either be placed at the back of the stage or came into the "house".  In Act I, where Uncle Bonze announced that Butterfly has renounced her religion and the crowed left her, we could not feel the tension.  Fortunately, with lesser "big" scenes in Act II and III, the staging was more comfortable.

Overall, this is a good start for the SLO Season.  Do go and attend this performance.


Please also see my entry on Krakow Opera's Madama Butterfly