Alfresco Dining, Soaring Opera and Literal Fireworks: A Guide to Madama Butterfly on Sydney Harbour

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If you compare theatre to sports, opera will sit somewhere at the Olympic level. The statement "I've got tickets to the opera" is so laced with cultural flavour that it's practically a four-course meal. There are some stellar opera venues in Sydney including a certain world famous House. But if you're looking for an experience that will make you the star of the "did you have a good night?" chats at work the next day, look no further than Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.

They're preparing for their next season, when the iconic Madama Butterfly returns to the outdoor stage with a suitably iconic vista, truly a ticket worthy of your hard-earned funds. So, what sets this opera apart from the rest? And why should you, the audience member, be interested? Well settle in, dear reader, and prepare to find out.

The story: An opera that has inspired and enchanted audiences worldwide

Madama Butterfly is, at its core, a tragedy. But it's also a story about personal growth and extraordinary determination. The original opera was based on a short story written in 1898 – it follows a Japanese geisha who falls in love with a wealthy American named Pinkerton and enters an explosive, whirlwind romance with him (for better or worse).

Italian composer Giacomo Puccini adapted the story from a one-act play to an opera that premiered in 1904 and initially the show was unsuccessful. After several revisions it finally became a global success with the premiere of the enduring fifth version in 1907. It's the most commonly performed iteration of the opera and is the version that inspired this show, with contemporary influences. For example, historically the Pinkerton character is a naval officer and in this production he's a property developer.

The venue: An outdoor stage with room for a show to soar

As mentioned, the Sydney Opera House traditionally dominates the opera scene but other fantastic opera venues are scattered across Sydney, chief among them the Fleet Steps at Mrs Macquaries Point. The epic outdoor venue has massive seating capacity, jaw-dropping harbour views and a range of dining options onsite.

The dining: Al fresco dining and themed menus to bring wonder to your taste buds

The Fleet Steps bring the views and the entertainment, but you can't bring your own food into the event area. Fret not, because the menus here top whatever you can fit into a picnic basket. There are five bar and restaurant areas to choose from so let's dig in.

For the maximum experience, book a table at the HSBC Platinum Club operated by the Kitchen By Mike team and is as luxe as it sounds. Here, you have access to two or three courses on the Japanese-inspired menu (think steamed coral trout served with pickled cucumber, avocado and a black bean and ginger sauce) before the show and a VIP drink voucher for the interval.

Beyond that, you can also get a pre-show feed at one of the other eateries — serving up everything from katsu chicken burgers to teriyaki tofu bowls and cheese and charcuterie boxes. The dining options all open from 5pm, which gives you a two-and-a-half-hour window to get your food fix plus the interval for topping up your champagne flute.

The costume and production design: A performance that evolves in front of your eyes

During interval, you can also watch the stage transform from one spectacular set to the next. This isn't a simple spruce with moving furniture and changing the lights — there is heavy machinery involved in the transformation.

It is production design and staging of this enormity that has made Madama Butterfly stand out among its peers. Not only does the set evolve midway but you'll see 'floating' suns and moons and a literally explosive finale.

As well as an evolving stage, pay close attention to the costume design. As the protagonist Cio-Cio San goes on her journey, you'll see her emerge from figurative and literal cocoons alike. Costume designer Lluc Castells said: "Through the costumes, I want to narrate the cultural shock that Cio-Cio San feels and all their consequences, such as the loss of her identity and the dependence on a dominant culture that blinds her."

The cast: Powerhouse creatives behind a powerhouse production

A killer production is nothing without a killer team to bring it to life. The behind the scenes talent is led by director Àlex Ollé of renowned Spanish theatre group La Fura dels Baus, joined by equally talented (and also Spanish) revival director Susana Gomez and set designer Alfons Flores. Conductor Brian Castles-Onion, a veteran of over 500 opera performances, will be leading the orchestra and steering Puccini's iconic compositions.

On stage and in complete view of the audience is a cast of performers who have each performed on global stages, including in past editions of Madama Butterfly. Karah Son and Eva Kong perform the role of Cio-Cio San, Diego Torre and Thomas Strong star as Pinkerton, Sian Sharp and Agnes Sarkis as Suzuki and Michael Honeyman and Luke Gabbedy as Sharpless.

For more information on Madama Butterfly, the production and the experience, or to secure your tickets, visit the Opera Australia website.