Butterfly’s Flight
Best of the Bay nominated for both Best Theatrical Production and Best Playwright, Butterfly’s Flight is a retelling of the Puccini’s Madama Butterfly from the perspective of Ambassador Sharpless. We follow as he is pulled into this preventable tragedy, and explore how his actions contributed to Cio-Cio San’s destruction. All while enjoying some of the most transcendent music of the Opera catalog. Casting flexibility and a quick duration makes this show a delicious Fun-Size experience for audiences of any size.
Scene 1: The Narrator introduces himself as Sharpless and outlines the unique circumstances of our story. Goro gives Pinkerton a tour of his newly purchased home. He also introduces Pinkerton to Suzuki, the housemaid and Cio-Cio San’s dearest confidant. Just then, Cio-Cio San makes her magnificent entrance. Pinkerton and Cio-Cio San are delighted to be married to one another. After their passionate duet, Cio-Cio San leads Pinkerton to the bedchamber. Three days later, Pinkerton abandons Cio-Cio San. But she remains steadfast for three years, growing more defiant and deranged. Sharpless is tasked with telling Cio-Cio San that Pinkerton would be arriving the following day; with his American bride.
Scene 2: Sharpless climbs the hill to Cio-Cio San’s house to deliver the devastating news. She sets her gaze on the harbor below for the heart-breaking Un Bel Di. Cio-Cio San spots Pinkerton’s ship approaching, and celebrates wildly. Suzuki, Cio-Cio San, and Dolore dance rapturously and toss flower petals everywhere. Red petals fall from the flies. The happy family goes to bed in the twilight, and the sun slowly rises to the sound of The Humming Chorus.
Scene 3: The Narrator laments Cio-Cio San’s situation. He cites her poverty and unhinged state to justify the next bombshell; that she must release her precious son Dolore to Pinkerton. Suzuki, Sharpless, and Pinkerton sing a stirring trio, agreeing to convince Cio-Cio San that it’s for the best. Pinkerton flees. The Narrator condemns Pinkerton, but realizes his insistence she give up Dolore was her death knell. She survived without Pinkerton, but couldn’t survive without Dolore.
Cast:
7 players in total
1 Non-Speaking/Singing (Piano/Orchestra)
1 Speaking only
5 Singers
Narrator: Speaking role- Ruminative and regretful. Older Male/same gender as Sharpless
Cio-Cio San: Soprano- Headstrong and unwavering romantic
Pinkerton: Tenor- Naive, impulsive, and guileless
Goro: Tenor- Charming and manipulative salesman
Sharpless: Baritone- Proper and good-natured
Suzuki: Mezzo-Soprano- Kind and dedicated friend
Dolore: Child aged 4-5
Chorus: No chorus required, but can easily be added as needed.
Details:
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Setting: Traditional Japanese house on a hill above Nagasaki Harbor/Deijima, Japan.
Time Period: 1904 Approx.
Orchestra size:
String Quartet + Piano
Cast Attributes:
Non-Traditional Casting
Multi-Cultural Casting
Opera with Non-Singing Actor
Flexible Casting
Expandable Casting
Strong Role for Baritone
Strong Role for Soprano
Strong Role for Mezzo-Soprano
Features Children
Further:
Performing Groups: College Theatre/Student, Young Artists’ Programs (YAPs), Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Opera Companies, Black Box/Second Stage/Fringe Groups
Features: Beautiful spectacle, Modern aesthetic, Flower petal rain
Target Audience: Adults, Seniors, Teens (13+)
Accolades:
Best of the Bay 2021, Best Theatrical Production nomination
Best of the Bay 2021, Best Playwright nomination (Alix Faulhaber)
Keywords:
Puccini Opera
Madama Butterfly
Madame Butterfly
Love Tragedy
Marriage
Children
Abandonment
Longing
Injustice
Romantic
Contents Include:
-Digital download of script with Ricordi plate/page/measure numbers.
-2 individual consultations with Cackling Harpies