Tosca

It’s the strangest career change ever. Ta’u Pupu’a, a native of the South Pacific, went from pro football player to opera singer, playing for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens before an injury led him to his first love — opera. He’s among a cast of up-and-coming artists in the Opera in the Heights production of Tosca, alternating the role of Cavaradossi with Gilberto de la Fuente.

A classic tragedy, Tosca is the story of a woman who chooses death over submitting to a man she doesn’t love. William Weibel, Opera in the Heights’s artistic director and conductor, says the production is “back by popular demand. It’s a depressing story, but Tosca remains a favorite because of Puccini’s moving music.” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Through April 5. Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Boulevard. For tickets and information, call 713–861–5303 or visit www.operaintheheights.org. $31 to $45.
Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Starts: March 27. Continues through April 5, 2008