Experience the original bohemian love story La Boheme when Opera Australia performs the classic tale for one night only on August 20 at The Art House, Wyong.
Puccini’s tragic romance La Boheme is a favourite, and inspired hit musicals RENT and Moulin Rouge with its timeless themes, beautiful score, exceptional cast and creative team all which makes this new work a must see.
Award-winning director Dean Bryant (Sweet Charity, Anything Goes), brings his trademark wit and vivacity to this new staging, working with set and costume designer Isabel Hudson and lighting designer Damien Cooper to place this enduring love story in the bohemian 1970s.
“This is a story about a group of young artists dealing with all the huge things in life for the first time,” Bryant said.
“Growing up in regional Australia, I had the same passion and urgency to be heard, to fall in love, to live, so it’s particularly exciting for me to be taking this production, set in Paris in the 1970s, across the country.”
Brilliant casting also abounds, with soprano Danita Weatherstone – who grew up in Wyong – sharing the role of Mimì with Maia Andrews, tenors John Longmuir and Nick Kirkup as Rodolfo, sopranos Cathy-Di Zhang and Jane Magão as Musetta and baritone Andrew Williams as Marcello.
Conductor Simon Bruckard rounds out the cast.
A highlight of the national tour is the inclusion of children’s choirs in each of the tour locations.
Under the direction of Children’s Chorus Master Su Choung, choir students will join the cast for rehearsals before taking to the stage.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the wonder of music and the arts,” Opera Australia Artistic Director Jo Davies said.
“Opera Australia’s National Tour provides regional and remote audiences access to outstanding operatic performance which fosters a sense of community spirit through a shared artistic experience.
“Working with communities across Australia to present La Bohème and to facilitate music education activities as part of the tour is a privilege and a joy.”
Sung in the original Italian and performed live with accompaniment from a Chamber Orchestra, La Bohème is a highlight of the region’s Winter calendar and a must see for opera lovers.