— What You Can Expect —Opera’s greatest thriller is a taut tale of passion and betrayal, taking place over just 24 hours in Rome. Renowned prima donna Tosca is in love with Cavaradossi, a painter and revolutionary. When the sadistic Chief of Police Scarpia tries to crush them, our heroine finds the strength to do the unspeakable.Puccini’s music is sensational: from the overpowering choral power of the famous Te Deum, Tosca’s ode to art ‘Vissi d’arte’ and the haunting tenor showpiece ‘E lucevan le stelle’ as Cavaradossi faces death.In this acclaimed, five-star production from Opera North, director Edward Dick writes the tension large upon the stage. A stunning renaissance fresco colours a gilded dome hanging over the performers. Dramatic, stadium-style lights by Lee Curran put a razor focus on the unfolding action, revealing beauty and menace in turn.The action turns on a trio of brilliant performers, so we’ve found singers you don’t want to miss: Tosca is played by both Giselle Allen, who originated the role in this production to great acclaim, and audience favourite Karah Son. International tenor Young Woo Kim sings Cavaradossi. And we have two imposing Scarpias: Armenian baritone Gevorg Hakobyan and homegrown star Warwick Fyfe. • Language: Performed in Italian with English surtitles• Venue: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House • Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including two intervals