Golden Gate Opera - Marin County Opera

A full-scale opera, complete with stage settings, costumes, musicians and competent singers, takes years and major funding. San Francisco has a huge and well-established base of opera patrons; Marin's tiny nonprofit Golden Gate Opera does not. Its challenge is to bring opera to local stages and schools, affordably. Since 1997 it's been the inspiration and tireless goal of Sausalito's Roberta Becker, the company's general director, as well as the volunteers who share the dream. Last Saturday and Sunday showed off the fruits of their labors when "Madama Butterfly" took the stage at the Marin Showcase Theatre. The packed audience of 300 was enraptured by Puccini's well-known and sorrowful tale of a geisha longing to enter the new world of American life. Although most of the large cast and crew were veteran opera performers imported from outside Marin, Golden Gate Opera also included local talent in this production.

Monti Zanetti of San Rafael sang the role of the Imperial Commissioner, while Rafael Mollina of Tiburon made his debut as Prince Yamadori. Tiny Sophie Anne Loder of San Rafael stole the scene as she acted the role of Madame Butterfly's 2-year-old child. Laura Holter and Madelyn Menon of San Rafael joined Kit Murphy of Mill Valley as exquisitely kimonoed friends joined in song. The servants, played by Greenbrae residents Brian Harris and Michael Amara, were convincing in their roles.

Although the lovely tea-house setting had to be minimal on the small stage, the audience appreciated the detailed Japanese costume design done by Tracy Bell Redig of Novato, and the performers' makeup done by Andrea Pino of San Rafael.

Act I introduced the American Naval Lieutenant, played by handsome tenor Zachary Sheely of San Francisco, and his arranged geisha wife, Cio-Cio San, called Madame Butterfly, played by diminutive soprano Miwako Isano from Japan (via Sacramento). Such marriages were temporary situations, renewable by husbands on a monthly basis.

Act II is three years later, as Madame Butterfly awaits the return of her husband's ship. The audience is moved as she sings the familiar aria "Un Bel Di (One Beautiful Day)." Although her friends warn her she has been abandoned, she remains stubbornly devoted to her husband and their child she is sure he will love.

Act III begins with a visually stunning dance performed by three geishas in authentic kimonos, the fluttering fan mesmerizing, like the wings of a butterfly. The plot intensifies as the truth unfolds: the Lieutenant has returned with an American wife to claim his child.

Madame Butterfly's caring and protective maid, sung by mezzo-soprano Jennifer Kosharsky, showed outstanding vocal range. The American Consul role was expertly sung by baritone by Limuel Forgey. Sadly, no one can save Madame Butterfly from the opera's tragic ending. As the curtain fell, the audience was on its feet with applause. Golden Gate Opera will continue to attract supporters and volunteers with productions such as this.

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