BUZZ: Andiamo, l’opera!

A classic opera is about to thrill audiences in a new production by the Regina Opera Company, coming to Bay Ridge on four different occasions.

“La Traviata” by Giuseppe Verdi has a lot of high points, as well as tunes that are known to the audience, explained Fran Garber, the executive vice-president.

“They will definitely recognize them,” Garber noted. For example, in act one, the duet “Libiamo”—meaning let us drink!—is one of the best-known opera melodies and is considered a popular performance choice.

“The leading soprano and tenor are drinking to the good life and happiness; they both have a glass of champagne in their hands,” Garber continued, saying that this particular scene sets the tone for the rest of the opera.

“Right away the audience meets the heroine and the true love—it will get people excited to see more,” she added

The story revolves about Violetta, a beloved heroine who sacrifices her own happiness to protect her lover’s family from a terrible scandal. The role in these upcoming performances will be shared by Sopranos Andrea Bargabos and Alexis Cregger. As for Violetta’s lover, Alfredo, Tenors David Bailey and Paolo Buffagni will portray him.

“Even people who are not familiar with opera should come and see our production because we have English subtitles, and the audience will be able to follow along every single part of the opera. It’s family friendly. It’s about love,” concluded Garber.

The opera will be performed on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 at 3 p.m. and again the following weekend on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, also at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for general admission; $20 for senior citizens and college students under 25; $5 for teens. Children get free admission.

Enjoy “La Traviata” at Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s auditorium, located at 5902 Sixth Avenue.

For more information, visit the website, www.reginaopera.org; call 718-259-2772; or email info@reginaopera.org.