An Italian story of love and loss will be told in the style of opera at Missouri Southern this semester. La Traviata, is presented by the Heartland Opera Theatre in collaboration with Southern’s fine arts department. Performances are on Oct. 17 and 19.

“It is a lot of work and you have to really love it,” said Susan Smith, the chorus master of the production and professor at Missouri Southern. “But it is all worth it, because at the end, we created something.”

The play portrays decadent lifestyles in Paris. A mess of drinking between rich men and prostitutes marks the opening scene of the play. Three main characters star in the opera. Dustin Peterson (tenor) plays the role of Alfredo, the love interest of Violetta. Violetta will be played by Daria Somers (soprano). The third starring role of Alfredo’s father Germont is sung by Zeffin Quinn Hollis (baritone).

This famous opera is one of the most recorded and performed operas in history. Some of the original arias are used as catchy songs in many commercials and movies today. This is the first big opera to be sung in its native language at Missouri Southern.

Preconceived notions about operatic productions tend to scare viewers away. The fact that the production will be sung in Italian could also be a deterrent to students, but there will be English subtitles.

Smith urges students to give it a try. She explains that people tend to either love opera or hate it, but either way, it is an amazing experience.

“That is why students come to Missouri Southern—not just to take classes, but to experience things they have never experienced before,” Smith said.

The opening show will take place next Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Taylor Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the show are required; the price for students is $10, and the price for community members is $25 at the door. To reserve a ticket, please call (417) 782-4953.