In celebration of famed composer Giacomo Puccini's 150th birthday, Opera Tampa and an international cast of singers presents Tosca, one of his most touching and tragic tales. Through stunning arias and heart-wrenching performances, Tosca tells the fictional story of Floria Tosca, a renowned singer, and her painter lover Cavaradossi, whose continued affections are thwarted by Scarpia, the evil police chief who secretly desires Tosca and believes that Cavardossi is hiding an escaped political offender. Drama and betrayal abound in this shocking tale of jealousy and sacrifice. First performed more than 100 years ago, Tosca continues to capture audiences with its stirring score and unexpected ending, and its leading roles are coveted by many of modern opera's foremost tenors and sopranos. The beauty of the Italian language becomes an invisible but powerful stage presence in this performance, and when Tosca's lover tells her "E non ho amato mai tanto la vita (And never have I loved life so much)," I dare you not to break out the hanky. April 25 and 27, 7:30 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sun., Carol Morsani Hall-Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, downtown Tampa, $29.50-$99.50, 813-229-7827, tbpac.org.
This article appears in Apr 23-29, 2008.