Madame Butterfly @ Baton Rouge River Center 4/11/26

While you bogans were at home watching Hee Haw reruns and “golf,” I decided to take in Opera Louisiane’s one off production of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.

I have to say that I was very surprised at the quality of the production. The set was beautiful. The lighting and stage craft were really well done. Did I think I was at The Met, or Vienna? No. But for Baton Rouge, it was quite charming. Most of the talent was brought in from other regional operas. The singing was very polished and professional.

The standouts were soprano Teresa Perotta as Cio Cio San/Madame Butterfly and mezzo-soprano Hilary Ginther as house servant Suzuki. Perotta’s vocals were soaring and nuanced. Not once did I hear a missed note. She is truly a star in the making. Her acting was top notch as well. Gunther, as Suzuki, was the standout, in my opinion. Her exquisite timbre and emotional display just stole the show. She got the largest round of applause during the curtain call, which was well deserved.

Once again, a wonderful production of Madame Butterfly. Not a single redneck or Cajun accent to be heard.


Teresa Perotta



Hilary Ginther




*One complaint is that the orchestra left a lot to be desired. Lots of clunky notes, especially the clarinets.