MET Opera Live airs 'I Puritani" in Whitefish

Whitefish Theatre Co., in collaboration with the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, presents “I Puritani” as the fifth opera in the 2025-2026 live streaming season of the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD.

Vincenzo Bellini’s sweeping historical drama will be shown on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Approximate run time is 3 hours and 45 minutes including one intermission. Tickets are sold only at the door which will open at 10:30 am. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, paid by cash or check only. Stipends are available for students.

Sung in Italian with subtitles, the gorgeous melodies and spellbinding vocal fireworks of “I Puritani” has few equals. In the castle of Lord Valton, a Cromwell supporter, preparations are being made to celebrate the marriage of his daughter Elvira to Arturo, a Stuart supporter. However, when Arturo discovers that Queen Enrichetta, Charles I’s widow, has been taken prisoner and that Valton is bringing her to London to be executed, he helps the queen escape and flees with her. Believing herself betrayed, Elvira then loses all sense of reason. After a few months of hiding from his ensuing death sentence, Arturo finds Elvira, who ends up recognizing him and regaining her senses. Entangled as they are in a web of political intrigue, deception, and madness, will the power of love triumph for this passionate couple?

“I Puritani” was Bellini’s final masterpiece before his premature death at the age of 34, just as he was achieving international success and expanding in new musical directions. Written in the bel canto style of opera, the opera requires incredible vocal abilities and artistic sensibilities of the performers who can embellish Bellini’s unique mastery of melody that blends melancholy with fiery lyricism. Bellini delivers one of his loveliest female portraits in Elvira, who progresses from adolescent gaiety to madness before finally achieving happiness.

The Met has assembled a world-beating quartet of stars, conducted by Marco Armiliato, for the demanding principal roles. Soprano Lisette Oropesa and tenor Lawrence Brownlee are Elvira and Arturo, brought together by love and torn apart by political rifts. Baritone Artur Ruciński is Riccardo, betrothed to Elvira against her will, and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn is Elvira’s sympathetic uncle, Giorgio. The striking staging is by Charles Edwards, who makes his company directorial debut after many successes as a set designer.

The Live in HD experience offers exclusive behind-the-scenes content and cast interviews. Food and beverage will be available for purchase during the performance. Visit whitefishtheatreco.org to read about the entire Met Opera Live in HD season or call 406-862-5371 for more information.