Opera Birmingham

by Giuseppe Verdi
Friday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 22 at 2:30 p.m.
The Alabama Theatre
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CAST:

Violetta: Susanna Phillips
Alfredo: Christian Reinert
Giorgio: Louis Otey
Flora: tba
Baron Douphol: Randall Mayo
Gastone: tba
Marquis d'Obigny: Daniel Seigel
Dr. Grenvil: Timothy Beenken
Stage Director: Kathleen Clawson
Conductor: Joseph Mechavich

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Libiamo 
Sempre libera 
Di provenza il mar 
Parigi o cara 

Opera Synopsis

ACT I

The courtesan Violetta Valéry entertains her guests in her Paris salon; among them is a newcomer, Alfredo Germont. He tells her that he has long been an admirer from afar, and even inquired about her during her recent illness. The Baron Douphol, angered by this conversation, refuses to give a toast, but Alfredo takes up the reins and sings a drinking song to love. An orchestra is heard in another room, and as the guests leave, Violetta suffers a fainting spell. She sends her guests out, but Alfredo remains to profess his love for her. Violetta, wary of this confession, gives him a flower, telling him to return to her when the flower has withered. Alfredo accepts, and leaves her alone to contemplate her newfound feelings for this bold young man.

ACT II

Months later, Violetta has left her life of luxury to join Alfredo in his country house. But when Annina, her maid, informs Alfredo that Violetta is selling her property to afford this life, Alfredo leaves for Paris, swearing that the two of them will not be shamed by such an action; he will settle matters at his own cost. Violetta returns and receives a new guest - Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont. Giorgio learns of their financial woes, and begs Violetta to leave Alfredo. Their liaison has threatened the marriage of Alfredo's sister, and they must discontinue their relationship. Violetta acquiesces, and sits alone to write a farewell to Alfredo. Suddenly, Alfredo bursts back into the house, catching Violetta before she can finish. She swears her eternal love for him, and runs out, leaving him bewildered. A messenger enters, bearing her farewell note. Alfredo is heartbroken as his father reenters and attempts to persuade him to return to his family, but Alfredo will have none of it. Finding an invitation to a party at Flora Bervoix's home, he assumes that Violetta has lied - she has left him for another lover. He resolves to confront her at the party.

At that evening's soirée at Flora Bervoix's home, Flora learns from the Marquis that Violetta and Alfredo have parted ways. Alfredo arrives, and finds his luck at the card table. Just in time for Violetta to arrive on the arm of the Baron Douphol, Alfredo explains that although lucky at cards, he is most unlucky at love. The Baron is incensed at this insolence and challenges him to a game. Alfredo wins again and again until the game is interrupted by the call to dinner. Violetta stays behind to entreat Alfredo to leave, lest the Baron challenge him to a duel. Alfredo accuses her of infidelity; remembering her vow to his father, Violetta tells him that she loves the Baron. In a fit of jealousy, Alfredo calls the guests back in, and throws his winnings at Violetta's feet, saying that he has now paid her in full. The crowd is appalled. Giorgio Germont enters in time to see his son's disgrace, and denounces his behavior. Alfredo realizes what he has done, and the Baron challenges him to a duel to settle this matter with honor.

ACT III

In Violetta's bedroom, Doctor Grenvil tells Annina that her mistress has but a few hours to live. The illness, coupled with her heartache over Alfredo, has brought her to the point of death. She reads a letter from Giorgio Germont, who tells her that the Baron was wounded in the duel, and that Alfredo is on his way to beg her pardon. As Paris celebrates Mardi Gras, Violetta senses that it is too late for her and her lover. Alfredo rushes in, and Violetta recovers her strength enough to vow to leave Paris with him. Giorgio and the Doctor rush in, and Violetta feels one last rush of strength to her body before she staggers and dies in her lover's arms.