On January 22nd, the Puccini opera Madama Butterfly is being staged at the Palace Theatre in Manchester by the award-winning producer Ellen Kent.
Ellen invited local stage school, Stagecoach Performing Arts in Salford, to nominate one of its shining stars to play the child of the titular Madama Butterfly, Sorrow. And six year old Xin En was chosen and will appear opposite acclaimed Korean soprano, Elena Dee, who sings the role of tragic Cio-Cio San.
In the opera, Cio-Cio San names her child Sorrow after being seduced and then deserted by Lieutenant Pinkerton and being shunned by her family and friends after discovering she is pregnant. She is hopeful that Pinkerton will return so she can rename the child Joy. However, when Pinkerton finally does return with his new American wife, Cio-Cio San ends up taking her own life, racked with despair over his betrayal.
Xin En is currently rehearsing for the role with her drama school and will be joining the cast and full orchestra for what promises to be a visually stunning performance, complete with a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes, including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.
Madama Butterfly musical highlights include the Humming Chorus, the moving aria Un bel di vedremo (One Fine Day), the famous tenor aria Amore o grillo (Love or Fancy) and Bimba, Bimba, non piangere (Love Duet). The production will be sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Madama Butterfly
Wednesday 22nd January
Palace Theatre, Manchester
Tickets from £24 – click here to book or call 0844 871 3019
Also see the trailer on YouTube - click here