NACOGDOCHES – The Stephen F. Austin State University Schools of

Music and Theatre’s upcoming production of Giuseppe Verdi’s “La

Traviata” provides the perfect opportunity for audience members to

experience the emotion and excitement of live opera, according to Dr.

Deborah Dalton, SFA associate professor of voice and the production’s

stage director.



“The elements of love, duty, sacrifice, death and redemption are all

found in the story line, and SFA’s finest student vocalists will be

singing the glorious score in English. Additionally, supertitles will

be projected above the stage for the audience members who would like to

read the libretto as it is being sung,” Dalton continued. “It’s a

perfect opportunity for experienced opera goers as well as first-time

attendees.”



The cast of over 40 vocal students and a 30-member student orchestra

will present the opera at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19, through

Saturday, April 21, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.



Based on “La dame aux Camélias,” a play adapted from a novel by

Alexandre Dumas, the opera revolves around Violetta, a Parisian

courtesan who is stricken with consumption, and her suitor Alfredo,

whose father is opposed to the union.



Dalton said she is pleased with all elements of the production. “The

voices and the singing are among the finest you will hear anywhere, and

the set designed by SFA Assistant Professor of Theatre Dana Gloege

provides a unique look for each scene with Art Nouveau opulent colors

and patterns.”



“Because the cast is so large, we rented most of the costumes,” Dalton

explained. “But costume professor Angela Bacarisse, along with shop

manager Barbara Blackwell and the costume crew have built several of

the ladies’ gowns. If it ‘takes a village’ to raise a child, then

putting an opera on its feet surely takes a small country!”



The opera, which is a part of the 2011-2012 University Series, is a

joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts, School of Music and

School of Theatre.



Prior to the April 19 performance, Dalton will give an informative talk

at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery, directly across the hall from Turner

Auditorium. The audience is invited back to the gallery after the

performance for a reception honoring the event’s corporate sponsor,

Point A Media, and to meet the cast.



Griffith Gallery and Turner Auditorium are located in the Griffith Fine

Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive on the SFA campus.



Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and $6 for students. For

tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or

call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.