The Sacramento Opera will present the unforgettable Madama Butterfly at the Community Center Theatre on Feb. 16, 18 and 20.

The opera, written by composer Giacomo Puccini, who labeled it his favorite, is directed by Doug Nagel and conducted by Timm Rolek with the Sacramento Opera Orchestra and chorus.

Sung in Italian, with projected English and Spanish supertitles, Madama Butterfly tells a poignant story of the loves and losses surrounding a young geisha and the American naval officer she loves.

Set in Japan during the early twentieth century, Madama Butterfly is denounced by her family when she marries U.S. Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton and embraces his religion. Shows will begin at 8 p.m., Feb. 16; at 2 p.m., Feb.18 and at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 20. For more ticket information, call 264-5181.