La Traviata

Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
World Première at Venice, Teatro La Fenice March 6, 1853
July 11, 12, 18 and 19 [8pm]
Performed in Italian
Presented by Raymond James, Inc.

The action is laid in Paris and its environs in the mid–nineteenth century.

Prologue

A crypt in a church

Alfredo Germont visits the tomb of his recently deceased lover, Violetta Valéry, and recalls their brief time together.

Act I

A party at Violetta’s house

Violetta knows that she will die soon, exhausted and sickened by her restless life as a courtesan. She is introduced to Alfredo at the party. Alfredo has been fascinated with Violetta for a long time, and the guests ask for Alfredo to propose a toast. He celebrates true love, and Violetta responds in praise of free love. She is touched by his candid manner and honesty. Suddenly she feels faint, and the guests withdraw. Only Alfredo remains behind and declares his love. Violetta replies that there is nowhere for such feelings in her life, but she gives Alfredo a camellia flower, asking him to return when the flower has faded. He realizes this means he will see her again the following day. Alone, Violetta is torn by conflicting emotions — she does not want to surrender her way of life, but she also feels that Alfredo has awakened her need to be truly loved.

15 Minute Intermission

Act II

A country house

Violetta has chosen a life with Alfredo, and they enjoy their love in the country, far from society. When Alfredo discovers that this is only possible because Violetta has been selling her property, he immediately leaves for Paris to procure money. Violetta has received an invitation to a masked ball, but she no longer cares for such distractions. In Alfredo’s absence, his father, Giorgio Germont, pays her a visit. He demands that she separate from his son as their relationship threatens his daughter’s impending marriage. However, over the course of their conversation, Germont comes to realize that Violetta is not after his son’s money — she is a woman who loves unselfishly. He appeals to Violetta’s generosity of spirit and explains that her liaison with Alfredo has no future. Violetta’s resistance dwindles, and she finally agrees to leave Alfredo forever. She accepts the invitation to the ball and writes a goodbye letter. Alfredo returns, and while he is reading the letter, his father appears to console him. Regardless all the memories of home and a happy family can’t prevent the furious and jealous Alfredo from seeking revenge for Violetta’s apparent betrayal.

A party at Flora’s house

At the masked ball, news has spread of Violetta and Alfredo’s separation. After the entertainment, Violetta and Baron Douphol arrive. At the gaming table Alfredo wins a fortune — lucky at cards but unlucky in love. When everybody has withdrawn, Alfredo confronts Violetta who claims to be truly in love with the Baron. In his rage, Alfredo calls the guests as witnesses and declares that he does not owe Violetta anything. Enraged, Alfredo throws his winnings at Violetta. Giorgio Germont, rebukes his son for his undignified behavior. The Baron challenges his rival to a duel.

15 Minute Intermission

Act III

Violetta’s house

Violetta is dying. Doctor Grenvil knows that she has only a few more hours to live. Alfredo’s father has written to Violetta, informing her that his son was not injured in the duel. Full of remorse, he has told Alfredo of Violetta’s sacrifice. Alfredo wants to rejoin her as soon as possible. Violetta is afraid that he might be too late. When Alfredo finally arrives, the reunion fills Violetta with a euphoria — a parting revelation before death finally claims her.

 

Adapted from the Metropolitan Opera

Ensemble not pictured:
Gustavo Perez Diaz+*
Randell McGee+*
Brandon Smith+*

+ 2014 Crescendo Participant
* UAO Stage Debut

 

Production Staff
Scott Schoonover – Conductor
Tim Ocel – Director
Sean Savoie – Production Manager
Patrick Huber – Set Designer
Maureen Berry – Lighting Designer
Teresa Doggett – Costume Designer
MK Jacobi – Stage Manager
Claire Stark – Assistant Stage Manager