Tryon Festival Theatre, October 25 - 28
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
Nathan Gunn and Sarah Wigley, directors
Donald Schleicher, conductor
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"I was once asked when visiting Glyndebourne, the prestigious summer festival south of London, what my favorite opera was. I believe the person asking was expecting a learned response, something edgy and modern or perhaps sophisticated and refined. I said without hesitation that it was Puccini’s La Bohéme. Why? Because the beautiful tunes keep coming. Because of the story is universally accessible and because it’s relatively short. As the saying goes: “Life is short. Opera is long.” Well, opera can also be eternal in the best sense of the word. It can stay with you forever and change your life. La Bohéme is one of those operas. It is a classic and it is beloved. Its energy, youthfulness, love, passion and joie de vie is perfectly amplified by the heartache that inevitably presents itself as the young bohemians are confronted with the realities of life.
In this production our team has worked hard to bring all of the senses together in telling this timeless story. The set is, reminiscent of Paris circa 1950, looks as if it could break apart at any moment or melt away with the water colors that are tenuously holding it together. The costumes reflect the character and station in life of each individual, but also tell of his or her future and the unstoppable effects of time. The lighting shows the warmth and beauty of youth, but also the sharp shadows that are always present. And Puccini, in his brilliance, fills us with the unimaginable heartbreak and beauty of real love. Tonight, as you let the music, lights, costumes, scenery and singing take you to another place keep in mind that this is a story of transition. It’s a story about friendship, forgiveness, selfless acts of kindness, playfulness, heartbreak……it’s a story about LOVE." - Nathan Gunn, director Press Coverage
News Gazette Lyric Theatre's "La Bohème" sets things in motion Smile Politely La Bohème enchants opera aficionados and amateurs alike Illinois Public Media Lyric Theatre Performing "La bohème" at Krannert Center |
Cast
MIMÌ - Aimee Stuart-Flunker* Kimberly Ouellette** MUSETTA - Jessica Ragsdale** Grace Thompson* RODOLFO - Ryan Johnson* Andrew Turner** MARCELLO - Xiaoyi Zha** Grant Ebert* SCHAUNARD - Scott Cuva* Kevin Lucas** COLLINE - Sergio Andrés Martínez Salazar ALCINDORO - Philip Phillips BENOIT - Charles L. Jordan PARPIGNOL - Royce Brown CHORUS - Royce Brown, Lisa Buhelos, Charles L. Jordan, Scott Knier, Nicholas Koch, Wesley Litten, Thereza Lituma, Rafael Luquis, Paige Luttrell, Craig Moman, Geoffrey Schmelzer, Loucine Topouzian, Rachel Weinfeld, Lillian Michaela Wright CHILDREN’S CHORUS - Julianna Balogh, John Jaehyun “JJ” Lee, Maggie McCabe, Evani Pluta, Noelle Ramaly, Dan Rosu, Cecelia Vermillion, Emily Wilson *October 25 & 27 / **October 26 & 28 Production Team DIRECTORS - Nathan Gunn, Sarah Wigley CONDUCTOR - Donald Schleicher ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR - Jebat Kee CHORUS MASTER - Andrea Solya SCENIC DESIGNER - Daniela Cabrera COSTUME DESIGNER - Larissa Almanza LIGHTING DESIGNER - Michael Cummings SOUND DESIGNER - David Greenberg PROPERTIES MASTER - Kira Lyon HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER - Aimee Beach MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR - Michael Tilley COACHING STAFF/ACCOMPANISTS - Michael McAndrew, Cadis Ying Jie Lee, Alex Munger STAGE MANAGER - Shea Hittman TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - Patrick Szczotka |
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