This month (March 2019), Virginia Opera has 7 performances of Madama Butterfly scheduled. I attended the penultimate performance at the Carpenter Center two nights ago.
This is not a review of Madama Butterfly or Carpenter Center, but how well VO executed it.
I believe it was done quite well. Casting was flawless. The role of Cio-Cio-san (Madama Butterfly) seems to be made for mezzo-soprano Danielle Pastin. Her anguish in the final minutes is palpable and contagious. And I cannot imagine a better Suzuki than Kristen Choi.
The selection of Carpenter Center as the venue was quite good, although for future performances, I hope VO considers larger venues. It appeared to be sold out. But even at max capacity, the flow of people was very smooth. Acoustics at the Center were quite good, and VO had a "closed caption" screen above the stage for those (like me) that don't know Italian.
A plethora of parking options. I chose a parking deck, less than 1/2 block away, $10. See how far $10 gets you in NYC. :)
Adequate concessions, at reasonable prices.
Lots of ushers, eager to help me find my seat.
My only complaint is that they do not have a senior discount. (As does the Williamsburg Opera, for example,)
I believe Virginia Opera put it all together quite well. I look forward to more performances from VO in the future. read more