Photo Journal: Netrebko and Croft Star in San Francisco Traviata

The classic Verdi melodrama opened June 13 to largely-positive reviews for performers and production. Janos Gereben of the San Francisco Examiner wrote the following of the heroine: "In superb voice, used impressively through the evening, and with a believable, moving portrayal of Violetta, Netrebko earned respect and admiration."

Domingo's celebrated staging, which premiered in Los Angeles in 2006, updates the classic with art deco costumes and sets. The timeless story of a conflicted courtesan, her devoted lover and his disapproving father translates flawlessly to the exuberant Roaring Twenties. 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the first performance of Verdi's La Traviata in the city of San Francisco.

Netrebko shares the role of Violetta with Elizabeth Futral (6/29, 7/2, 7/5) and Ailyn Pérez (7/1). At the 6/29 and 7/2 performances, Alfredo will be sung by David Lomelí with Stephen Powell as Giorgio.

Also featured onstage are Leann Sanderl-Pantaleo as Flora Bervoix, Renee Tatum as Annina, William Pickersgill as Servant, Andrew Bidlack as Gastone, Dale Travis as Baron Douphol, Austin Kness as Marquis D'Obigny and Kenneth Kellogg as Doctor Grenvil. Donald Runnicles mans the podium.

La Traviata continues at the War Memorial Opera House through July 5.

For tickets and information, visit San Francisco Opera.

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Photos by Terrence McCarthy and Cory Weaver for San Francisco Opera.