AUG 24, 2025
PROGRAM
World premiere: Venice, Teatro la Fenice, 1853
LA TRAVIATA
ACT I Violetta Valéry knows that she will die soon, exhausted by her restless life as a courtesan. At a party she is introduced to Alfredo Germont, who has been fascinated by her for a long time. Rumor has it that he has been enquiring after her health every day. The guests are amused by this seemingly naïve and emotional attitude, and they ask Alfredo to propose a toast. He celebrates true love, and Violetta responds in praise of free love (Ensemble: “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici”). She is touched by his candid manner and honesty. Suddenly she feels faint, and the guests withdraw. Only Alfredo remains behind and declares his love (Duet: “Un dì felice”). There is no place for such feelings in her life, Violetta replies. But she gives him a camellia, asking him to return when the flower has faded. He realizes this means he will see her again the following day. Alone, Violetta is torn by conflicting emotions—she doesn’t want to give up her way of life, but at the same time she feels that Alfredo has awakened her desire to be truly loved (“Ah, fors’è lui… Sempre libera”). ACT II Violetta has chosen a life with Alfredo, and they enjoy their love in the country, far from society (“De’ miei bollenti spiriti”). When Alfredo discovers that this is only possible because Violetta has been selling her property, he immediately leaves for Paris to procure money. Violetta has received an invitation to a masked ball, but she no longer cares for such distractions. In Alfredo’s absence, his father, Giorgio Germont, pays her a visit. He demands that she separate from his son, as their relationship threatens his daughter’s impending marriage (Duet: “Pura siccome un angelo”). But over the course of their conversation,
ACT II continued Germont comes to realize that Violetta is not after his son’s money—she is a woman who loves unselfishly. He appeals to Violetta’s generosity of spirit and explains that, from a bourgeois point of view, her liaison with Alfredo has no future. Violetta’s resistance dwindles and she finally agrees to leave Alfredo forever. Only after her death shall he learn the truth about why she returned to her old life. She accepts the invitation to the ball and writes a goodbye letter to her lover. Alfredo returns, and while he is reading the letter, his father appears to console him (“Di Provenza”). But all the memories of home and a happy family can’t prevent the furious and jealous Alfredo from seeking revenge for Violetta’s apparent betrayal. At the masked ball, news has spread of Violetta and Alfredo’s separation. There are grotesque dance entertainments, ridiculing the duped lover. Meanwhile, Violetta and her new lover, Baron Douphol, have arrived. Alfredo and the baron battle at the gaming table and Alfredo wins a fortune: lucky at cards, unlucky in love. When everybody has withdrawn, Alfredo confronts Violetta, who claims to be truly in love with the Baron. In his rage Alfredo calls the guests as witnesses and declares that he doesn’t owe Violetta anything. He throws his winnings at her. Giorgio Germont, who has witnessed the scene, rebukes his son for his behavior. The baron challenges his rival to a duel.
ACT III Violetta is dying. Her last remaining friend, Doctor Grenvil, knows that she has only a few more hours to live. Alfredo’s father has written to Violetta, informing her that his son was not injured in the duel. Full of remorse, he has told him about Violetta’s sacrifice. Alfredo wants to rejoin her as soon as possible. Violetta is afraid that he might be too late (“Addio, del passato”). The sound of rampant celebrations are heard from outside while Violetta is in mortal agony. But Alfredo does arrive and the reunion fills Violetta with a final euphoria (Duet: “Parigi, o cara”). Her energy and exuberant joy of life return. All sorrow and suffering seems to have left her—a final illusion, before death claims her.
Verdi’s La Traviata survived a notoriously unsuccessful opening night to become one of the best-loved operas in the repertoire. Following the larger-scale dramas of Rigoletto and Il Trovatore, its intimate scope and subject matter inspired the composer to create some of his most profound and heartfelt music. The title role of the “fallen woman” has captured the imaginations of audiences and performers alike with its inexhaustible vocal and dramatic possibilities—and challenges. Violetta is considered a pinnacle of the soprano repertoire.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
King’s Theatre is honoured to be on the ancestral and unceded territory of L’nu, also known as the Mi’kmaq Peoples, who have lived and cared for this land since time immemorial. We honour the Peace and Friendship Treaties and acknowledge that we are all treaty people. The Fog Machine may be in use tonight. It is a non-toxic water-based mist Phones/Cameras: We ask that you turn ringers off and refrain from taking photos or videos during shows. For the comfort of our patrons, King’s Theatre strives to be Scent-Free environment. Please refrain from wearing scented products to events. Please return the Reusable Cups to concession! They are available for purchase if you would like to take one home.
COMING SOON 2 0 2 5
WEDNESDAY AUG 27th 7:30 PM
FRIDAY AUG 29th 7:00 PM
LD O S 90% SATURDAY AUG 30th 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, SEPT 6th
7:30 PM
SUNDAY SEP 7th 3:00 PM
FRIDAY, SEPT 12th 7:30 PM
SATURDAY SEP 20th 7:30 PM
FRIDAY SEP 26th 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, OCT 3rd 7:30 PM
FRIDAY OCT 17th - SUNDAY OCT 19th
Phases & Spaces Inc.
KING’S THEATRE Built in 1921, King’s Theatre has been at the heart of Annapolis Royal’s cultural community for 100 years. It is a favoured venue for performers, known for its enthusiastic audiences, intimate setting, high quality production values, and warm reception from the community.
209 St George St PO Box 161 Annapolis Royal Nova Scotia B0S 1A0 902-532-7704
King’s Theatre also supports emerging talent. Fostering a close relationships with the schools and the amateur drama community, there are many opportunities for talent in all genres to learn the ropes. King’s Theatre has also served as a movie house for 100 years, transitioning from reel-to-reel to
Box Office Hours: Tue - Fri: 11 am - 4 pm Summer Market Season: Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm
digital projection and surround sound, with programming that ranges from Indie to Hollywood, to work by filmmakers who call Annapolis home.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tracy Summerville, Chair Margo Tait, Vice Chair Kerrie Picken, Treasurer Shannon Kelly, Secretary Betsy Akin Thea Boyanowsky Caroline Hancock Garth Laidlaw Thomas May AC Silver Alison Warwick Michael Westcott STAFF Janet Larkman, Executive Director Tracey Harnish, Bookkeeper Jessica Scott, Box Office & Operations Manager Devin Fraser, Technical Director Gregory Muszkie, House Manager Jamie Alcorn, Sound Technican Brynja Bachem-Jennings, Box Office and House Support Maddie Frisby, Student Staff Lucy Walsh, Student Staff Moxy Manitowabi, Student Staff
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our government sponsors. Nous reconnaissons avec gratitude l’appui de nos partenaires gouvernementaux.
BENEFACTOR
AMBASSADOR
Jan & Cam Albright
Peter & Valerie Hall
Ellie Macklin-Ackerman
Dean & Pam Holt
Brian & Jane Power-Grimm
Matt & Karine Moody
Bill & Nancy Smith
Brian & Judy Neville
John & Christine van Der Lieck
Sanford & Associates
Andrew & Kim Wilson
Barbara Smith Still Fired Distilleries Donald Sutherland Valley Credit Union
CONTRIBUTOR Bear River First Nation Health Centre
Elcie Littlefair
Lavena Crocker
Tom & Huguette May
Ern Dick
Sharon & Barry Moody
Sheryl & Don Johnston
Julie Palmer
Paul Kellogg
AC Silver
Rick Ketcheson & Kathy Brooks
Tracy Summerville & Kieth Egger
Paula Leslie
SUPPORTER Betsy & David Akin
Judy & Ted Lind
Carmenchita Antonio
Carol Lowe
Bobbie Archer
John & Jean McKeown
Richard Berens
Byron Mersereau & Amery Boyer
David Britton
John Montgomerie
Grace & Freeman Butland
Martin Mundry
Sherry Caldwell
Nancy Murdock & Barry Thompson
Jeannine Comeau
Susie & Eric Norris
Jill & Greg Cox
Elsebeth & Paul Olshefsky
Port Royal Animal Hospital
Carol Parsons
Penelope Curran
Ellie Perkins
Naomi Davidson
Susan & Steven Peters
Sheila Duggan & Everett Lavender
Teresa Rooney
Marcia Field
Debra Ryan
Garry Freeman
Marcia Sanford
Janet Graham-Smith
Anona Siwik
Karen Gregor
Barbara & Barry Stagg
Flora Hall in Memoriam
Carol & Wayne St-Amour
Philip & Judy Hanshaw
Brian Sturney
Richard Haworth & Helen Harper
Michael & Laura Tamblyn
Alyn & Cathy-Lynn How
Honour Tett
Bob & Dessie Howard
James Thurber
Kelli & Oliver Janson
Susan Tooke
Elisabeth & Paul Jennings
Troy Wallace
Patrick & Shannon Kelly
Michael Westcott
Fred Kuhnle
Ian & Bev Weston
Garth Laidlaw
Stuart Wetmore
Eric Leblanc & Bruce Mckinnon
David Worden
Ted Leighton
FRIEND Donna & Mark Allan Deanna Amero Kirk & Mary-Ann Anderson Anonymous Clyde & Janet Barteaux Diane Bartosh Beaton Family Maureen Bobbitt Jane Borecky Carolyn Brown Brenda Brownell Margaret Bruce Vera Burne Mary Burnett Geoff Butler Bonnie Campbell Ruby Carter Martin Comeau Phillip Cormier Maggie Cotreau Katie Cress Crewson Family Olivia, Sam & Emmett Day Dawn Dennis Nick Dunning Jennifer Eaton Rita Ernestsons Lesley Finch Kerry Foster Margie Friedman Kim Grimard Flora Hall In Memoriam Michele Hall Jane Hatcher Suzan Hebditch Tina Hiltz Michael Holloway Martha & Peter Hooper Scott Hubley Denise Hurley Christine Igot Krista Kennedy
Sharon Kennedy Tamara Kreutz Gene & Susan Lane Susan Langpap Janet Larkman & Karen Dwyer Miles Leahy Carol Lockyer in Memoriam Larry & Elixabeth Lohnes Terence Lucas Jodi MacAulay Quinn MacDonald Judy & Ken Maher Nancy & Ron Marshall Mary McEachern Brett Mcphillips Diane Mestekemper Arnold Morgan M Murphy Lucy Muszkie Marsha Nettle Anna Newman Sharon Nicolle Mary-Lou O’Neil Kerrie Picken Robin Pile John & Beth Pineo Michael Ponsor Tom & Peggy Reinfuss Elsa Riley Stephen Robertson Danno & Dutchess Sabovitch Sandra Sackett Donna Shea Kate Silver Rob & Lindy Spencer Mary & Tim Steeves Lillian Stewart Lorraine Thibault Susan Tileston Alison Warwick Kate Wasteneys Jennifer Weidhaas
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