The Tales of Hoffmann (Les Contes d'Hoffmann) is a haunting opera that dives into the stormy, occasionally uncanny, love life of poet Hoffmann. In a series of flashbacks (and perhaps a bit too much wine), Hoffmann recounts three romantic escapades, each with its own fantastical twist—and each disastrously interrupted by a shadowy villain determined to ruin his good time. The opera is a blend of romance, heartbreak, and just the right dose of the surreal, proving that in Hoffmann’s world, if something seems too good to be true, it probably involves an evil doppelgänger or a mechanical doll.

Need the TL;DR? Don’t worry—Maggey’s got you covered! Here’s her quick take:

The Studio Artists return! Five parts, four loves, and two minutes of recap. A plot this tangled shouldn’t be this fun to watch—but it is.

In our latest Versed feature, General Director and CEO, Maggey Oplinger, dives into the magic happening on stage. From the vision of the stage director to the raw talent of the performers, she breaks down exactly what to listen for and shares her personal favorite moments from the production.

SONG:Barcarolle Anna Netrebko & Elīna Garanča – Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann: Barcarolle

Finale act 1, masquerade trio (Proteggia il giusto ciel)

SONG:Doll’s aria (“Les oiseaux dans la charmille”) Les Contes d'Hoffmann: "Les oiseaux dans la charmille" (Erin Morley)

SONG: Act I “Drig drig drig”

Artists & Cast

COMPOSED BY Jacques Offenbach
CONDUCTED BY Francesco Milioto
STAGE DIRECTED BY David Lefkowich
WITH THE Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
FEATURING The Florentine Opera Chorus,
Dr. Benjamin Rivera, Chorus Master

Performers

Hoffmann Kang Wang *
Heroines: (Antonia, Olympia, Giulietta, Stella) Susanne Burgess *
Villains: (Lindorf, Coppélius, Dr. Miracle, Dappertutto) Kyle Albertson *
(Niklaus/Muse) Emily Fons
(Valet Tenors: Frantz, Andres, Cochenille, Pittichinaccio) Julius Ahn *
(Voice of Antonia’s Mother) Lauryn Nelson +
(Spalanzani, Nathanael) Zachary Taylor +
(Schlémil, Hermann) David Drettwan +
(Crespel, Luther) Bill McMurray
(Un Voix de Basse) David Guzmán