Tosca

Tosca is an opera in three acts composed by Giacomo Puccini, first performed in 1900. Set in Rome during the Napoleonic Wars, the story is a powerful drama filled with intense emotion, betrayal, passion, political intrigue, and tragic love. The opera is based on the play ‘La Tosca’ by French playwright Victorien Sardou and remains one of the most popular works in operatic drama.

Here’s an overview of Tosca Broadway in theaters in NYC. Read the guide and purchase last-minute Tosca tickets in NYC.

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30, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, 10023

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Getting There

For best availability, consider requesting the front mezzanine. Many Broadway theatres are smaller than you might expect, so sitting in the mezzanine can provide a great view and increase your chances of getting the show and date you want.

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30, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, New York, 10023

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Story Overview

Tosca show in New York is set in Rome during the harsh times of the Napoleonic Wars. The story unfolds over a single day and revolves around three main characters: Floria Tosca, a famous singer, Mario Cavaradossi, a passionate artist and Tosca’s lover, and Baron Scarpia, the ruthless Chief of Police.

The story begins with Cavaradossi working on a painting in a church. He is secretly helping Cesare Angelotti, a political prisoner who has escaped from jail and is hiding in the church. Baron Scarpia, who is searching for Angelotti, arrives and becomes suspicious of Cavaradossi. Knowing that Tosca is deeply in love with Cavaradossi, Scarpia uses her jealousy against her. He convinces Tosca that Cavaradossi is being unfaithful, driving her to reveal Angelotti’s hiding place out of fear and anger.

In the second act, Scarpia arrests Cavaradossi and subjects him to brutal torture to force him to reveal Angelotti’s location. Tosca, horrified by her lover’s suffering, agrees to give Scarpia what he desires in exchange for Cavaradossi’s freedom. However, before Scarpia can have his way with her, Tosca seizes a knife and kills him in a desperate act of self-defense.

In the final act, Cavaradossi is taken to the Castel Sant’Angelo to be executed. Tosca arrives, believing she has arranged a mock execution to save his life. She tells Cavaradossi to play along with the execution, promising that they will soon be free. However, the execution is real, and Cavaradossi is killed by the firing squad. Realizing that she has been deceived and that Scarpia’s men are now after her, Tosca, overwhelmed with grief and despair, climbs to the top of the fortress and throws herself to her death.

Cast Information

The current production of Tosca in New York at the Metropolitan Opera House features a stellar cast. The production is directed by David McVicar, with conducting duties split between Carlo Rizzi and Domingo Hindoyan.

  • Aleksandra Kurzak, Angela Gheorghiu, and Liudmyla Monastyrskaas Floria Tosca
  • Michael Fabiano, Roberto Alagna, and Yusif Eyvazovas Mario Cavaradossi
  • John Lundgren, James Morris, and Željko Lučić as Baron Scarpia

Venue Details

The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, located at Lincoln Center, is one of the most prestigious venues for opera in the world. Opened in 1966, it seats approximately 3,800 people and features state-of-the-art acoustics and stage technology. The venue is known for its grand architecture, including the iconic crystal chandeliers and red velvet interiors. It hosts a diverse range of operatic performances like Tosca show today in NYC, attracting world-renowned artists and audiences alike, making it a cultural landmark in New York City.

Reviews

The current production of Tosca show in New York at the Metropolitan Opera House has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many critics praising the powerful performances and the production’s dramatic intensity.

Critics have highlighted the strong performances by the cast, particularly noting the emotional depth brought to the roles of Tosca, Cavaradossi, and Scarpia. The direction by David McVicar has been lauded for its attention to detail and its ability to bring out the opera’s dramatic tension. The conducting, whether by Carlo Rizzi or Domingo Hindoyan, has also received acclaim for bringing Puccini’s score to life with energy.

Audiences have been equally enthusiastic, with many noting the production’s ability to captivate and move them. The combination of strong vocal performances, impressive staging, and the timeless nature of Puccini’s music has made this production of Tosca for families a standout at the Met​.

Music

The musical score of Tosca show in New York, composed by Giacomo Puccini, is a masterpiece of dramatic tension, perfectly complementing the opera’s intense storyline. The music is known for its emotional depth and powerful orchestration, with each piece adding to the narrative’s development. Below is a list of the main arias and musical pieces in Tosca.

  • “Recondita Armonia” (Act I)— Cavaradossi reflects on the contrasting beauty of the women he paints, blending art and love.
  • “Ah! Quegli Occhi” (Act I)— A duet where Tosca expresses her jealousy, fearing Cavaradossi’s affections might be directed elsewhere.
  • “Tre Sbirri, Una Carrozza” (Act I) — Scarpia plots his plan to capture Cavaradossi and Tosca, setting the stage for his manipulation.
  • “Vissi d’Arte” (Act II) — Tosca questions why she, who has lived for art and love, must suffer so greatly, in a moment of deep anguish.
  • “E Lucevan le Stelle” (Act III) — Cavaradossi, facing his upcoming execution, reminisces about his lost love and happiness, with a heart-wrenching melody.
  • “O Dolci Mani” (Act III) — A tender duet where Cavaradossi and Tosca express their love and hope for a future together, despite the looming danger.
  • “Io De’ Sospiri” (Act III)— Cavaradossi prepares for what he believes will be a mock execution, unaware of the tragic reality that awaits him.
  • “O Scarpia, Avanti a Dio!” (Act III) — In her final moment, Tosca defiantly proclaims that she will meet Scarpia before God, just before she takes her own life.

Awards

Various recordings of Tosca have been nominated and have won in categories like Best Opera Recording at the Gramophone Classical Music Awards. For instance, the 1953 recording conducted by Victor de Sabata with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, and Tito Gobbi is often cited as one of the greatest opera recordings of all time.

While Tosca itself is a timeless piece that continues to receive praise through various revivals and performances, it is not typically awarded in the manner of modern entertainment productions.

Run Length and Schedule

The upcoming performances of Tosca in New York at the Metropolitan Opera House are scheduled to run from September 25, 2024, to January 23, 2025. Each performance of this dramatic and emotional opera has a duration of approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes, which includes two intermissions.

Weekly Schedule

  • Tuesday: 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 7:30 PM
  • Saturday:1:00 PM (matinee) and 8:00 PM (evening)

Food and Beverage Options

At the Metropolitan Opera House, there are several dining options within the venue. Located on the Grand Tier level, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a menu featuring American and European cuisine. Reservations are recommended, especially on performance nights.

Several casual dining spots are available within the opera house, including the main café on the Mezzanine level and various bars offering light snacks, sandwiches, and beverages.

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Buy Tosca Tickets in New York

Experience the timeless drama of Tosca in New York at the Metropolitan Opera House! Don’t miss your chance to witness Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece come to life with powerful performances and stunning production values. This captivating opera, set against the backdrop of historical Rome, promises an unforgettable evening filled with passion, intrigue, and tragedy.

Secure your seats to enjoy a night of world-class opera in one of New York City’s most iconic venues. Book your Tosca tickets in NYC through the visitNYC website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no strict dress code, patrons are encouraged to dress in business or semi-formal attire. Many guests choose to wear elegant or formal clothing to enhance their opera experience. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the venue involves walking and standing.

Tickets for Tosca can be purchased through the visitNYC website.

Tosca is a dramatic and intense opera with themes of love, betrayal, and violence. It includes mature content and is generally recommended for older teens and adults. While there is no strict age restriction, parents should consider the emotional and dramatic nature of the story before bringing younger children.

Tosca is performed in Italian, the original language of the opera. English, German, and Spanish subtitles (supertitles) are provided above the stage to help non-Italian-speaking audiences follow the story and understand the dialogue.

The Metropolitan Opera House often offers pre-performance talks or lectures about the opera. These events provide insights into the production and can enhance your understanding of the performance.

If you arrive after the performance has started, you may need to wait until a suitable break or intermission to enter the auditorium. Late seating policies are designed to minimize disruption, so it is best to arrive on time to avoid missing any part of the performance.

Photography and recording are strictly prohibited during the performance. To ensure the best experience for everyone, please refrain from using cameras or recording devices inside the theater. Some venues may have designated areas for photographs before or after the show.