Hailed as "powerful" and "timely," San Francisco Opera's presentation of the Giacomo Puccini masterpiece Tosca is perfect for the opera-curious. According to director Shawna Lucey, "Tosca is a piece for today like almost never before."

The story follows Floria Tosca, an opera singer, as her devotion to beauty and love is put to the test by a ruthless chief of police; playing the lead is Carmen Giannattasio, who has often been called "the Lady Gaga of opera."

"She's got star power, and she knows how to use it," says the San Francisco Chronicle of Giannattasio, who stars opposite SF audience favorite Brian Jagde as Cavardossi. Tosca is on stage at the San Francisco Opera for just a few more performances in October. You won't want to miss it—it's history in the making.

Scott Hendricks as Scarpia.(Courtesy of San Francisco Opera)

If you're looking to spice up date night or impress someone special, not much compares to an evening at the opera—especially since the world-renowned San Francisco Opera is right here in our backyard. Located in the historic and stunning War Memorial Opera house in trendy Hayes Valley, the venue promises a night of great food, stunning scenery, and incredible music.

We recommend getting seats on the main floor, available for under $100, or sitting in the balcony where fans say the sound is the best for Opera Vision, when you can watch HD video of the live performance on stage. Add in dinner and drinks, and you've orchestrated the perfect date night.

// For tickets and more info, go to sfopera.com/tosca.