University of Utah Opera, along with the Utah Philharmonia and UtahPresents, brings Giacomo Puccini’s “La bohème” to the Kingsbury Hall stage on April 18th and 19th at 7:30pm.
The opera is based on Henry Murger’s novel, “Scenes de la vie de Bohème,” and follows the lives and loves of bohemians living in Paris, France: seamstress Mimì (soprano), poet Rodolfo (tenor), singer and Marcello’s lover Musetta (soprano), musician Schaunard (baritone), and philosopher Colline (bass). In addition to these six principals, the performers include 26 chorus members and 18 children’s chorus members. The show also includes School of Music faculty and stage management by Department of Theatre students, which is sure to make for an unforgettable evening.
Did you know “La bohème” inspired Jonathan Larson’s rock musical, “Rent” (1996)? Although the setting is different with four artists living in New York City in 1989 during the AIDs crisis, the story is very similar. And, if you listen to “Light My Candle,” you may pick up on a musical fragment from the original “Musetta’s Waltz.”
With its soaring melodies, impassioned duets, fierce friendships, and tragic ending, Puccini’s “La bohème” stands as one of the world’s greatest operatic masterpieces.
University of Utah students get free admission upon presenting their U Card through the Arts Pass program or can visit the Kingsbury box office ahead of time to pre-order one (1) ticket free of charge.
Cast – 4/18
Nadia Englund as Mimì
Sam Plumb as Rodolfo
Akshay Ghiya as Marcello
Meggie Vincent as Musetta
Porter Hiatt as Schaunard
Seth Keeton as Colline
Nelson LeDuc as Benoit / Alcindoro
Junjie Wang as Parpignol
Caleb Gordon as Sergeant
Dorian Dillon as Customs-House Officer
Caleb Booth as An Official
Cast – 4/19
Mackenzie Williams as Mimì
Alex Harrelson as Rodolfo
Mike Murray as Marcello
Casey Morris as Musetta Cover
Porter Hiatt as Schaunard
Dr. Seth Keeton as Colline
Nelson LeDuc as Benoit / Alcindoro
Junjie Wang as Parpignol
Caleb Gordon as Sergeant
Dorian Dillon as Customs-House Officer
Caleb Booth as An Official