Madama Butterfly

Show details

Categories: Opera, Classic, Drama, Critics' choice

Audience: Suitable for all ages

Theater name: Joan Sutherland Theater

Find the best seats in the house with the Joan Sutherland Theater seating plan

Theater facilities: Bars, restrooms, cloakroom, foyer lounges, water refill stations, café, onsite dining at the Opera House precinct

Theater accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible restrooms, companion seating, lift access, hearing-assist devices, step-free routes, mobility drop-off points near the forecourt

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

• Leading roles:

  • Keyboard: Amy Hsu

  • Cio-Cio-San: Guanqun Yu (Jan 3–Feb 4), Vittoria Yeo (Feb 7–Mar 7), and Olivia Cranwell (Mar 11–Mar 25)

  • Pinkerton: Robert Watson (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Oreste Cosimo (Feb 7–Mar 25)

  • Suzuki: Sian Sharp (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Angela Hogan (Feb 7–Mar 25)

  • Sharpless: Samuel Dundas (Jan 3–Feb 4), Luke Gabbedy (Feb 7–Mar 7), and Warwick Fyfe (Mar 11–Mar 25)

  • Goro: Virgilio Marino (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Michael Petruccelli (Feb 7–Mar 25)

  • Bonze: David Parkin (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Gennadi Dubinsky (Feb 7–Mar 25)

  • Kate Pinkerton: Jane Ede (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Chelsea Burns (Feb 7–Mar 25)

  • Yamadori: Leon Vitogiannis (Jan 3–Feb 4) and Alexander Hargreaves (Feb 7–Mar 25)

• Director: Moffatt Oxenbould AM

• Composer: Giacomo Puccini

• Conductors: Andrea Battistoni (Jan 3–24, Mar 7–14), Paul Fitzsimon (Jan 29–Feb 4, Mar 18–25), and Erina Yashima (Feb 7–Mar 3)

• Set & costume designers: Russell Cohen and Peter England

• Lighting designer: Robert Bryan

• Movement & revival director: Matthew Barclay

Additional info

• This show is suitable for all ages.

• Content warning: The production contains some adult themes.

• Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

• Most theaters are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Frequently asked questions about Madama Butterfly

Q: How much do tickets to the Madama Butterfly opera in Sydney cost?

A: Prices vary based on your choice of seats and show dates.

Q: Where is Madama Butterfly playing in Sydney?

A: The opera is playing at the Joan Sutherland Theater at the Sydney Opera House.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The opera lasts for about 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one interval.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: The opera follows Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman who marries U.S. naval officer Pinkerton and waits faithfully for his return, unaware of the heartbreak ahead.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: There is no strict age limit, the opera is suitable for all ages. However, the production contains some mature themes.

Q: What are some popular musical moments in the opera?

A: Highlights include Un bel dì vedremo, the Humming Chorus, and the love duet from Act I.

Q: Why is Madama Butterfly considered one of Puccini’s greatest works?

A: Its lyrical score, emotional depth, and enduring themes of love, culture, and sacrifice have made it a global favorite for over a century.

Q: Is this production historically traditional or modern?

A: Moffatt Oxenbould’s staging leans toward traditional aesthetics with Japanese-inspired costumes, sliding panels, and atmospheric candlelit design.

Q: Are there language surtitles available?

A: Yes. The opera is sung in Italian with English surtitles.

You will receive an email with your Madama Butterfly voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.