Opera Plus, a local community group under the direction of Rosa Antony, in association with Ars Musica, Toronto, will perform highlights from Puccine's "Madame Butterfly," one of the most famous and best-loved operas in the entire repertoire at the Orangeville Opera House next Thursday, April 6.

The opera is based on John Luther Long's story and David Belasco's play of the same name. The composer saw a production of the play in London and was captivated by the story. He immediately used it as the basis of his next opera.

The first performance was at LaScala in Mulan, Italy, in 1904, and the opera has been enjoyed by audiences all over the world for over 100 years.

Again, inspiring composers to write more on this theme, Madame Butterfly's story was, in turn, the basis for the Broadway smash hit "Miss Saigon." There is a strong parallel between the two periods of history in which American servicemen, stationed in a foreign country, father children and abandon them and their mothers when the country no longer has a presence there.

The opera is the story of Cio-Cio San, a vulnerable geisha, who renounces her culture and religion for the love of Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton, an American naval officer.

Abandoned after he honeymoon by Pinkerton, Townline's trucks "Butterfly" must choose between life without dignity or death with honour.

The production stars Gail Malcolm (Toronto) as Cio-Cio San; James Ciantar (Bolton) as B. F. Pinkerton; local performer Rosa Antony as Suzuki, maid to Cio-Cio San; Dave Manson (Toronto) as the American Consul; Carina Browne (Orangeville) as Kate Pinkerton; and Adolfo DeSantis is musical director and pianist.

The performance takes place on Thursday, April 6, at the Orangeville Town Hall Opera House. Tickets are $25 and are available at the box office (94234323). A donation from the proceeds will help Theatre Orangeville Youth Programs.