Verdi's classic opera about a young man who falls for a total party girl fits perfectly with this production set in the 1920's. So much gorgeous Art Deco, and so much drama. Nino Machaidze returns to the stage as Violetta with Arturo Chacón-Cruz as Alfredo, and Placido Domingo takes the stage as Alfredo's well-intentioned father. Even if you're not an opera buff, you'll recognize much of the score, including "Libiamo ne' lieti calici," one of the best operatic drinking songs ever written.
You can also see this opera for free on Sept. 17, when LA Opera does its first live broadcast at the Santa Monica Pier.