Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata (Translation: The Fallen Woman) is about as classic as operas come. Romance, love, scandal and death are key elements of the tragedy. Based on the works of Alexandre Dumas, the show tells the love story of Violetta, a wealthy courtesan fighting a deadly outbreak of tuberculosis, and Alfredo, a devoted gent from a provincial family.

When Alfredo's father urges Violetta to break things off with his son, for the sake of his family's reputation, all hell breaks loose. Love, it seems, isn't enough to save this couple from a tearful demise. The production, staged by Central Piedmont Community College's Opera Theatre, is a prime example of standard repertoire and stars student performers. Conducted by Maestro Alan Yamamoto and presented in Italian with English subtitles. $12-$18. Nov. 16, 8 p.m., Nov. 17, 8 p.m. and Nov. 18, 2:30 p.m. CPCC's Halton Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534. arts.cpcc.edu.