Zev Yaroslavsky makes cameo appearance in ‘La Traviata’ at L.A. Opera

Throughout his political career, Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky has been a notable advocate for arts organizations, especially local classical-music groups both large and small. He has spoken at concerts and even tried his hand at guest conducting on a number of occasions.

On Saturday evening, Yaroslavsky made his first acting appearance on stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in L.A. Opera’s production of “La Traviata.” The county supervisor appeared in the second act of the Verdi opera as a supernumerary, or extra, in a lavish party scene.

The tuxedoed Yaroslavsky didn’t sing or speak in “La Traviata”; instead, he blended in with a crowd of well-heeled revelers at a gambling table. His onstage cameo wasn’t announced before the performance, though he appeared in the orchestra pit earlier in the evening to lead the L.A. Opera’s orchestra in a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Yaroslavsky, who is the outgoing supervisor from the 3rd District, said in a brief interview that L.A. Opera President Christopher Koelsch invited him to conduct the national anthem and later upped the ante to an on-stage appearance. Yaroslavsky said he agreed to appear in the production so long as he “didn’t have to sing or say anything.”

He added: “It’s about the opera, not about me. I love that we have a great opera company in L.A.”

“La Traviata,” which stars Nino Machaidze and Plácido Domingo, runs through Sept. 28, but Yaroslavsky was expected to only appear in Saturday’s performance.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT