Hui He stars as Cio-Cio-San, the devoted geisha who gives everything for the American naval officer Pinkerton, sung by Andrea Carè. Elizabeth DeShong is her devoted companion Suzuki, and Brazilian baritone Paulo Szot adds a new role to his Met repertory as Sharpless, a role that he has previously sung at Marseilles Opera. Szot is replacing Plácido Domingo who withdrew amidst allegations of sexual misconduct.
Pier Giorgio Morandi conducts Anthony Minghella’s beautiful, atmospheric production.