opera at the beach

Live from the LA Opera Stage to the Big Screen at Santa Monica Pier

Saturday, September 21, 2024
Broadcast begins at 6:00pm

Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401

Lights, camera, action:   Gather your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic, and come experience the music and drama of Madame Butterfly under the stars. This  Madame Butterfly gets a stunning and cinematic twist, taking place on a 1930s  film set transforming the look of  this beloved opera classic.   An American officer  in turn-of-the-century Japan wants a bride, and a greedy marriage broker obliges, assuring him that the union can be easily dissolved. 

This event is free to attend and open to all ages.  RSVP for free  to receive the latest updates and a free gift at the event.

RSVP for free to receive the latest updates and a free gift at the event 

Event Details

Arrive early and explore your artsy side, enjoy family friendly crafts with LA Opera Connects. Get a balloon animal before the show starts or have your face painted by Work of Heart face painting, a biodegradable glitter bar. Be amazed by Magic Castle magician Dana Pleasant and don't miss our gift basket giveaways, LA Opera merchandise giveaways, and more! 

What to Bring:  Bring your own blankets, low lawn seats, and cushions. Don't forget your sweaters and jackets. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. 

What Not to Bring: Large coolers, canopies, tents,  or sun umbrellas. Sorry, no pets. 

Beach Parking Lot:  1550 Appian Way, Santa Monica, CA 90401. For Parking info and rates click here. 

**There will be a bag check at the event entrance. 


Activities & Crafts

  •  Get a balloon animal before the show starts
  • Have your face painted by Work of Heart face painting, a biodegradable glitter bar. 
  • Be amazed by Magic Castle magician Dana Pleasant 
  • ...and don't miss our gift basket giveaways, LA Opera merchandise giveaways, and more! 

RSVP for free to receive the latest updates and a free gift at the event

          Free RSVP    

Food Vendors

More About Madame Butterfly

The innocent Cio-Cio-San believes they're in love, even as Lt. Pinkerton moves on. For three years, she fights off rising debts and new suitors, refusing to believe she's been abandoned. But when their long-awaited reunion finally arrives, the lieutenant isn't alone-- and he isn't here for her. End scene. 

Korean soprano Karah Son reprises her signature role as Puccini’s tragic heroine trying to find her way in a world dominated by men. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous Pinkerton, with Hyona Kim as Suzuki, Cio-Cio-San’s devoted maid who sees right past his gentlemanly facade, and Michael Sumuel as Sharpless, the sympathetic American consul. James Conlon, "the most accomplished music director currently working on the podium of an American opera house" (Opera News), opens the season conducting Puccini's poignant and unforgettable score.

The simulcast will be sung in Italian subtitled in English and Spanish. 

Want to attend the performance in-person at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion?

Buy tickets here

LA Opera’s Opera at the Beach is made possible with generous support from: