‘Butterfly’ opera blossoms into success

Perhaps Gwyn Richards, the dean of the School of Music, summed it up best. “Isn’t it breathtaking,” he said to me at intermission.\nIn a word, yes. \nThe IU Jacobs School of Music’s production of Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” was a musical and theatrical triumph that made an exciting conclusion to the 2007-08 Opera Theater season.\nBased on a play, which is itself based on a short story, “Madama Butterfly” is the tragic tale of a young geisha who renounces her country and faith to marry Lieutenant Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton, an American naval officer with remarkably less wisdom or cultural awareness than his auspicious namesake. Insisting his marriage to Butterfly includes an “escape clause,” he leaves her within a year, with false promises of his return and ignorant of the child he has fathered. \nAs the lieutenant, Marcos Aguiar was passionate and intense. He is a consummate stage man with a thick, fleshy voice that, while powerful, was only able to pierce through the orchestra in its highest ranges.\nHis union with Butterfly is arranged by the sleazy marriage broker, sung by Carmund White, a young man with a bright, distinct sound. \nDiscouraging the deal altogether is Sharpless, the U.S. Consul, performed by Brad Raymond. The only American with the slightest understanding of Japanese customs and traditions, Sharpless wisely warns Pinkerton that Butterfly will believe his commitment is eternal. When it eventually falls to Sharpless to break the news that Pinkerton might never return, Raymond perfectly portrays the sad diplomat who is at once disapproving of his countryman’s action but uncomfortable with his own role in the affair. \nThe subject of this affair, of course, is Butterfly herself, performed exquisitely by Jung Nan Yoon. Her vocal delivery was virtually flawless, and her portrayal of Butterfly’s transition from giggling, wide-eyed adolescent to abandoned wife and mother nothing less than heartbreaking. \nIn the supporting role of Suzuki, Butterfly’s servant, Heng Xia matched her leading lady in both style and substance. She bore a gravity that revealed her character’s never-ending concern for and devotion to her mistress. Her voice, melodic and lovely, was Butterfly’s perfect complement.\nGarnering no less attention from the enthusiastic audience was Alexa Minton, who portrayed Butterfly’s child, Sorrow. Minton displayed great professionalism and exuberance on stage and will, I’m sure, look back on this experience with fondness.\nThe opera will be performed twice again this weekend. In case it hasn’t been emphasized enough, the Jacobs School of Music is one of the premiere opera schools in the country, and you couldn’t ask for a more powerful opera in these turbulent times than “Madama Butterfly.”\nTickets for the April 13 and 14 performances are $15 to $35 for general admission and $10 to $20 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Musical Arts Center box office or through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.music.indiana.edu/opera.