La Traviata Tickets

About the Show:

La Traviata, the classic tragedy by the great composer Giuseppe Verdi, is the second most-performed opera in the world, behind only The Magic Flute. The story centers on the unlikely relationship between a courtesan, Violetta, and a young nobleman, Alfredo, and the unfortunate circumstances that conspire to separate them. The title literally means "The Fallen Woman," implying that Violetta goes astray, though which of her actions is really the most detrimental and misguided is left for interpretation. At its original debut on March 6, 1853 at La Fenice in Venice, La Traviata received mixed reviews (largely due to poor casting), but upon some revisions, its next presentation at the Teatro Dan Benedetto in 1854 was met with critical praise. It premiered in London on May 24, 1856 and on December 3, 1856 in New York City. It continues to be a favorite of the operatic repertoire and its poetic beauty is etched in the minds of countless opera fans. Get your own La Traviata tickets today and experience the musical and emotional quality of this classic show for yourself.

Plot Synopsis:

Act I: In early 18th-century Paris, well-known courtesan Violetta Valery is throwing a party to celebrate her good health following a serious illness. A count, Gastone, brings with him Alfredo Germont, a young gentleman who admires Violetta so much that when she was sick, he visited her home every day. When Barone Douphol, Violetta's most recent lover, refuses to give a toast to her well-being, Alfredo gladly obliges. When Violetta excuses herself to the next room to recover from a dizzy spell, Alfredo follows her, concerned with her pale appearance, and expresses his lover for her. She initially rejects him because she thinks herself unable to truly love, but she recognizes something special in him. She gives him a flower and promises to meet him the following day. When Alfredo leaves, Violetta thinks she could actually learn to love him, but struggles with her need to live her life freely.

Act II, Scene I: Three months have passed, and Violetta and Alfredo are living together at her country house, her former life a distant memory. The maid, Annina, enters and informs Alfredo that she has been to Paris to sell Violetta's possessions in order to support their new rural life. Concerned, he departs for Paris to investigate just before Violetta returns to find an invitation from her friend, Flora, to a party in Paris. Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, comes calling and asks Violetta to end her relationship with his son because it has put his daughter's engagement in jeopardy due to her dubious reputation. Although she protests and although he is surprised by her remarkable civility, he eventually convinces her to break things off, and he leaves her with a kiss on the forehead. When Alfredo returns, Violetta tearfully leaves for the party, leaving a farewell letter on her way out. When he reads the letter and sees the party invitation, he suspects that the Baron is behind Violetta's departure, so he rushes off to confront her.

Act II, Scene II: At the party, news of Violetta's and Alfredo's split reaches Flora before Violetta arrives with the Baron. When Alfredo arrives, he announces he will take Violetta home with him before winning a great deal of money at the gambling table. At the end of the party, in fear that the Baron will become jealous and challenge him to a duel, Violetta asks Alfredo to leave. He demands that she admit that she loves the Baron, and she reluctantly consents. Infuriated, he insults her and humiliates her by throwing his money at her feet. She faints and the guests order him to leave at once, including his father, who knows the true circumstances behind this conflict. Though the other ladies try to get Violetta to leave, she turns to Alfredo and expresses her love for him.

Act III: In Violetta's bedroom, Dr. Grenvil informs Annina that Violetta doesn't have much more time because her tuberculosis has gotten worse. Once alone, Violetta reads a letter from Giorgio telling her: that the Baron was merely wounded in a duel with Alfredo; that he has told Alfredo of the sacrifice she made for his family; and that he has sent his son to her side to apologize. Annina enters, announcing Alfredo's arrival. Alfredo suggests that the couple elope, but Violetta knows she is not long for this world. Giorgio enters, deeply regretting his selfish request. After Alfredo pledges his love to her, Violetta suddenly lights up, saying that she no longer feels any pain, before suddenly dying in Alfredo's arms.

Run Time:

Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

Advisory:

Due to length, format, and some adult themes, recommended for teens and older.

Creative Team:

Written by	Giuseppe Verdi
Italian Libretto by	Francesco Maria Piave
Based on	La dame aux Camelias by Alexandre Dumas