Inland Northwest Opera is presenting "La Traviata" Sept. 9 and 11 at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox in Spokane.

Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" is the tale of Violetta, a rising starlet in 1920s Hollywood who lives a carefully crafted life. When adoring Alfredo falls hopelessly in love with her, his family interferes and unrelenting tragedy follows. With Verdi’s romantic score, audiences will relive the joy, triumph and tenderness of this eternal love story.

Born and raised in Maine, Mezzo-soprano and festival artist Sable Strout plays Flora, Violetta’s friend and another up-and-coming starlet who throws a party in the second act.

"The role of Flora is sort of a mezzo-soprano rite of passage," Strout told The Press. "It’s something I’ll hopefully do a lot in my career. I personally have had the most fun singing the 'boys and best friends,' so I was excited to add another to my list."

She said what’s important about the character of Flora is the ability to show the vanity of the industry, and how heartbreakingly replaceable actresses can be.

"I also provide a stark and necessary contrast to Violetta’s good-natured character," Strout said.

She said a role such as Flora's is often an overlooked job.

"Finding joy and fulfillment as a secondary role to support the story of the leads while also bringing contrasting energy to your scenes," she said. "Luckily for me, all the 'boys and best friends' have the most fun and usually never die."

She said audiences will find this 1920s adaptation of "La Traviata" to be stunning.

The show will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 and Sept. 11 at 3 p.m.

Tickets range from $25-$92.

Info: foxtheaterspokane.org or inlandnwopera.com