A tempestuous tale of a love triangle between a singer, a painter, and a corrupt police chief, Tosca is a perennial favorite of opera-lovers, with good reason. It is the perfect combination of drama, spectacle, and lush Romantic-era music with a rich score from world-renowned composer Puccini.
“This is a big, grand opera – we have a huge chorus along with the actors and singers on stage. It is a feast for your eyes and your ears at the same time,” said the production’s director, Omer Ben Seadia. “Everyone has missed so much in the last two years, including the ability to share and create art together. There is nothing like being in the theatre together, experiencing a beautiful orchestra and amazing singers – and this show, in particular, is so powerful.”
Ben Seadia was first a performer, landing her first role at age 15 at the Israeli Opera House before changing course to explore the operatic world from behind the scenes. Born and raised in Israel, she has been working in the United States as a director since 2012.
(Kent Miles for Utah Symphony Utah Opera) Tosca by Giacomo Puccini, with Kara Shay Thompson as Floria Tosca, Dinyar Vania as Mario Cavaradossi, Michael Chioldi as Baron Scarpia; Directed by Kathleen Clawson, Conducted by Robert Tweten, Costume Designs by Susan Memmott Allred, Lighting Design by Nicolas Cavallaro, Wigs & Makeup Design by Yancey J. Quick, Set Design by Ercole Sormani, Set rented from Seattle Opera, Utah Opera, Christopher McBeth, Artistic Director
At the Utah Opera, she has the opportunity to direct one of the most famous works in all of operatic history. As an intense and captivating thriller with incredible suspense, the story of Tosca takes place during the tumultuous turn of the eighteenth century in Rome. An explosive, emotional war plays out on stage, with a heart-stopping conclusion at a landmark of the Roman skyline. There are countless breathtaking moments throughout the work, including the soprano aria “Vissi d’arte” (“I lived for art”), sung by Tosca during Act II, which is one of the most iconic pieces in the repertoire.
American soprano Katie Van Kooten, a graduate of the Guildhall School in London, will sing the role of Tosca for the first time in this production. “I love the drama of this opera,” said Van Kooten. “Tosca is so visceral in her responses. She is very transparent and lets everything out; people really respond to her. As a stage character, you don’t have to wonder what she’s thinking; you hear everything she is thinking. She is very tense, serious, and focused. I am excited to see how that plays out with the drama.”
(Kent Miles for Utah Symphony Utah Opera) Tosca by Giacomo Puccini, with Kara Shay Thompson as Floria Tosca, Dinyar Vania as Mario Cavaradossi, Michael Chioldi as Baron Scarpia; Directed by Kathleen Clawson, Conducted by Robert Tweten, Costume Designs by Susan Memmott Allred, Lighting Design by Nicolas Cavallaro, Wigs & Makeup Design by Yancey J. Quick, Set Design by Ercole Sormani, Set rented from Seattle Opera, Utah Opera, Christopher McBeth, Artistic Director
Tosca’s epic tale of love, betrayal, and revenge is sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage for audience members to follow along. Yet, the vivid storytelling that is expressed through opera is captivating even without speaking the language. No other art form conveys a narrative with the intensity that opera does. And the intensity of Tosca, specifically, is staggering. “This is a new and exhausting role for me,” said Van Kooten. “Emotionally, vocally, and stage-wise, I am looking forward to giving {the director} the most time and attention I possibly can.”
Tosca is conducted by Steven White, a beloved figure in the world of opera. Maestro White has conducted internationally for renowned opera houses, with sixty-five titles in his repertoire. Now, he will lead thrilling performances by Tosca’s cast of more than sixty strong, making for an unforgettable experience for the audience.
“This is one of those shows where there is nothing like being able to experience it live,” said Ben Seadia.
Tickets can be purchased on the Utah Opera Website. Showtimes run March 12- March 20, with performances at Capitol Theatre.