On March 14, 2020, Mercury Opera concluded its run of Puccini’s timeless “La Boheme.” Due to the situation regarding the spread of COVID-19, this production was offered up via live stream; this review is the result of that viewing experience. This production translated the drama into the relatively-modern setting of New York City in 1979, in a time when the {…}
(Image Source: Against the Grain Theatre Official Website) As with many other companies around the world, Against the Grain Theatre is excited to share video performances from the past. In this case, the company is showcasing its famed production of “La Bohème” via CBC Arts. The showcase was toured throughout Canada back in the fall between Sept. 27 through Nov. {…}
The Opernhaus Zurich has canceled the March 12 performance of Puccini’s “La Bohème.” The company announced that “Juan Diego Flórez canceled the 3 p.m. the performance of “La Bohème” tonight due to illness. Since we are unable to provide an adequate replacement in the short time available and in the current general crisis situation, this performance has unfortunately to be {…}
Fort Worth Opera has made a cast change for its upcoming production of “La Bohème.” The Puccini opera originally featured Zachary Nelson as Marcello, but will now star Erik Earl Larson in the role. Laron recently appeared as Count Ceprano in Austin Opera’s “Rigoletto” and will be the baritone soloist in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s performances of “Carmina Burana.” Larson {…}
(Credit: Nicholas Korkos) Fort Worth Opera has announced that it will be presenting two special spring ahead of its 2020 festival. On March 29, 2020, the company will showcase its international cast for its upcoming production of “La Bohème” at the Kimbell Art Museum’s Renzo Piano Pavilian. The concert, entitled “Pops at the Pavilion” will star Talise Trevigne, Giordano Lucà, {…}
(Credit: Allan Richard Tobis) Russian lyric coloratura soprano Elena Tsallagova is a member of the ensemble of the Deutsche Oper Berlin. She has performed on a number of the biggest opera stages in the world, including Opéra National de Paris and Lyric Opera of Chicago, among others. Known for her deep vocal versatility and theatrical prowess, Tsallagova has performed title {…}
(Credit: Viktor Shmatov) Tenor Jonathan Tetelman will not be appearing in the role of Rodolfo in Puccini, Giacosa and Illica’s “La Bohème” for the presentation on March 2, according to the official statement on the company’s website. Instead, audiences will hear tenor Pavel Valuzhin in the lead role. Valuzhin will join the cast that includes Hrachuhí Bassénz, Elena Gorshunova, Christoph {…}
(Credit: David Elofer) The Opéra National de Paris has announced the cast change for the role of Mimì in the Puccini, Giacosa and Illica’s opera “La bohème,” according to the official statement on the company’s website. Per the statement, soprano Marina Costa-Jackson has withdrawn from the production due to maternity leave and Ekaterina Siurina will thus perform in her stead {…}
(Credit: Julian Hargreeaves) On Jan. 29, 2020, the Royal Opera House will stream Puccini’s “La Bohème” into local cinemas, with international audiences getting a chance to see the transmission at a later date. The performance will be conducted by Emmanuel Villaume, who will lead a cast headlined by Sonya Yoncheva and Charles Castronovo as Mimì and Rodolfo, respectively. Aida Garifullina {…}
In Phoenix on January 24, 2020, Arizona Opera presented Giacomo Puccini, Luigi Illica, and Giuseppe Giacosa’s popular opera “La Bohème.” Illica and Giacosa wrote the opera’s libretto and I agree with modern writers that librettists deserve as much credit as composers. When the curtain opened, Stage Director Paul and Scenic Designer Peter Dean Beck gave us a two-level garret that would return for the last act. In it he did not use what I guess was merely a sleeping loft on the upper level. This construction is actually part of a most effective unit set that formed the second act hillside street, and the third act gate.
(Credit: Rod Millington) Sarasota Opera is set to present Puccini’s “La Bohème” starting on Feb. 8, 2020 as part of its Winter Festival. The 13 performances, which will run through March 21, 2020, will feature Anna Mandina as Mimì, making her role debut. She will be joined by William Davenport as Rodolfo. Filippo Fontana will play the role of Marcello {…}