Comments on: Preview of Madama Butterfly

By: Elfriede Witte

Elfriede Witte — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:59:21 +0000

I watched the opera in Munich in a live performance from the Met on 7 March 2009. I was just overwhelmed. For me the addition of the puppet boy added such a strong emotional element. His little face is haunting me ever since. I join Mary Nilan’s urgent question: Why is there no DVD for this opera. Of course it should be available in Germany then as well.

By: Maria Precie

Maria Precie — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:46:37 +0000

This is my most favorite opera of all, I just love it. This particular opera is just wonderful and Ms. Patricia Racette performs her role with such feeling, I am still crying and shaking from her powerful portrayal. Thank you so much for airing this opera. The props, production, costumes, and supporting cast were just wonderful!

By: Hiroko Gallegos

Hiroko Gallegos — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:52:53 +0000

I watched this opera today on KQED, San Francisco. Although I don’t know much about operas, I do enjoy when I see them. I loved the whole thing, the singing and the modern stage work. I agree with all the comments about this opera before me. Being a Japanese, I especially enjoyed the integration of Kabuki and Bunraku (Japanese puppet), and the minimal stage settings like Noo play. Only thing I felt uncomfortable, however, was the Japanese costumes. While the American costumes were close to the real thing, Japanese costumes were too far-fetched, even though I realize they were also changed to go with the art form of this opera. Especially it terribly bothered me that the bride’s headdress was worn by one of the relatives (her mother?) instead of the bride. There are a few rules you just can’t change. And also, I wished the puppet boy were a bit fairer and the facial features more mixed. He looked just like a Japanese boy, I liked his face though. Am I too fussy? Thank you PBS for the quality programs.

By: mary nilan

mary nilan — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:44:33 +0000

I’ve seen this opera 6 times-the Minghella production 2x and Patricia Racette is awesome, incredible, spectacular and I liked the puppet in the production. the AM production is a visual treat and brilliant presentation. WHY IS THERE NO DVD FOR THIS OPERA WITH PR-there is no better MB (of course I’m biased, but PR fans understand…

By: Yvonne Chamberlyn

Yvonne Chamberlyn — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:40:48 +0000

The opera is magnificient and the production was GEORGEOUS!! Even though I’m not Racette’s biggest fan ( her singing and acting where good, she doesn’t strike me a a Butterfly-type) I really, really enjoyed it. I almost cried, like I do pretty much every time I hear/watch Puccini.

By: Nicandro Ferri

Nicandro Ferri — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:19:59 +0000

I saw this production this past Fall live at the Metropolitan Opera. It took my breath away. Patricia Racette was for my money the best Butterfly I have ever heard and seen. Her singing and acting made Butterfly come alive. The rest of the cast and the sets were incredible. I hope the Met releases this production on DVD like they have for other HD Broadcasts. Will it be rebroadcast on any PBS stations?

By: Traci Johnson

Traci Johnson — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:43:42 +0000

I was fortunate enough to actually be @ the Met for this performance and immediately wished to purchase a DVD copy! Thrilled when I heard it there was re-broadcast on PBS–alas, I missed it.PLEASE let me know when/where/how this will be available for purchase-no other production has so enraptured me!

By: G. Banner

G. Banner — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:33:21 +0000

I just discovered this adaptation of Madama Butterfly online. I missed it. When will it be shown again? Please advise me when a DVD is available. Thank you.

By: Mary Freeland

Mary Freeland — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:09:59 +0000

I missed the original broadcast but was lucky to catch a rerun this afternoon (7/19/09). This was by far the most moving of the several productions I have enjoyed in my lifetime. My thanks, and congratulations, to all the artists involved. Please contact me when a DVD is available for purchase.

By: Margaret Swiderski

Margaret Swiderski — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:23:30 +0000

I happened upon this remarkable performance by chance and it will remain one of the most memorable performances of Madama Butterfly that I have seen so far! The use of puppetry gave it an aura of a Japanese folk legend and added to the drama of the performance! Absolutely unforgettable!