Opera Omaha continues seson with Puccini's materpiece, "La Bohème"
La Bohème,” one of the most popular and acclaimed operas by Giacomo Puccini, goes on stage April 15, 17 and 19, 2009, at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha, Neb. The production of this beautiful and beloved opera masterpiece concludes Opera Omaha’s 51st season and promises to delight patrons.
Garnett Bruce, principal stage director and artistic adviser for Opera Omaha, says that he hopes to “create an intimate setting, as if the voice is sitting next to you.” He wants to help the audience hear the music in its proper context as well as connect with the inspiration and enthusiasm for the production. “‘La Bohème’ brims with the enthusiasm of youth and reminds us that Puccini’s characters have a basis in reality—if only we have the awareness to notice them,” continues Garnett.
The artistic vision of “La Bohème” emphasizes the locations where the characters walked, lived and loved to present an interpretation that is fresh, honest and energetic. One of the finest examples of verismo (real life) opera composition, it is that honesty of character, emotion and inspiration that will frame the staging of this production. The set designed by John Conklin uses the temporary medium of 19th-century Paris: posters. The chaos of walls covered with vibrant sketches promoting the latest club, café, dancer or even liquor illustrates the popular trends of the time. This artwork frames the collage of characters: the poet, the painter, the musician, the philosopher, the seamstress and the chanteuse. It tells the tale of romantic idealism meshing with the harsh realities of illness, poverty and death—the temporary nature of our lives.
“La Bohème” describes the life of the original bohemians, the poor artists of Paris’s Latin Quarter. It portrays the passionate love affair between dying Mimì and Rodolfo and the tumultuous love of Marcello and Musetta. The four principal ‘lovers,’ sung by artists making their Opera Omaha debut, adds to the excitement of the production. Tenor Gregory Turay as Rodolfo is described by the London Times as “one of the brightest natural talents to have emerged for the US in recent years.” Jeremy Kelly, a rising young baritone with acclaimed performances in “Turandot” and “La Traviata,” will play Marcello. Musetta will be played by Maureen McKay, hailed by the Washington Post for her performance of “Le nozze di Figaro” as the “undisputed star of the show.” Soprano Talise Trevigne as Mimì earned praise for her “perfect Bel Canto singing” for her recent performance as Violetta. Looking forward to the production, Trevigne notes “La Bohème” is so well loved because “it is relatable and has a great communication of love and what life is truly about. It is a complete example of human existence.”
In addition to the main-stage production, Opera Omaha offers its signature education and outreach programming leading up to the opening. The popular lunchtime previews are held the Wednesday prior to opening at the Orpheum Theater and on Sunday, April 19th prior to the matinee performance. Attendees of the Wednesday preview learn about the story line and music and have the opportunity to meet the cast, get a sneak peek at the set and take a backstage tour. The Sunday preview begins with lunch at noon and is geared toward younger audience members. J. Gawf, Opera Omaha’s resident music director, gives the family friendly overview of the story line and characters. Reservations are required for the Sunday preview and lunches are $7 per person. Lunch reservations for either preview are available by contacting the box office at 402-346-7372.
New this season, Opera Omaha offered Puccini 101, a series of four classes that delves into the life, inspiration and art of this most beloved composer. Garnett Bruce led class one, “Puccini: Behind the Music,” which was held in November. As stage director of the upcoming production of “La Bohème,” Bruce was able to share insight on the story and staging to the sold-out class. The remaining three classes, held on Jan. 19, Feb. 16 and March 30, can be purchased as a package or individually. Seating is limited.
Opera Omaha’s production of “La Bohème” is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Omaha Steaks. Tickets for the April 2009 production are available at 402-346-7372, at operaomaha.org and at the Opera Omaha Box Office at 17th and Farnam Streets. Ticket prices range from $19–99.
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Yahoo
Post new comment