Annapolis Opera presents La Bohème, one of the most iconic and beloved operas of all time, on Friday and Sunday, March 14 and 16, at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street in Annapolis. Friday’s performance is at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday’s is at 3:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $80 (for A seats), $65 (for B seats), and $25 for students. Group discounts are also available.
La Bohème is the timeless story of young artists and writers in the Latin Quarter in 1840s Paris. An opera in four acts, La Bohème was composed by Giacomo Puccini and first performed in Turin, Italy in 1896. Since that time, it has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. Today, musical theater fans can enjoy a modern day version of La Bohème when they attend Broadway’s rent, which is based on Puccini’s opera.
Annapolis Opera’s performances are fully staged productions complete with sets and costumes, English supertitles, and chorus. This performance of La Bohème will include musical accompaniment by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, and exceptional professional singers who tell the classic ill-fated love story of Mimi and Rodolfo.
It has been said of award winning soprano Michelle Johnson, Mimi in this production, that “her voice is velvety and pliant – a dulcet dream.” She has performed with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Opera Santa Barbara, the Houston Opera, and the Boston Philharmonic. Sean Arnold, Rodolfo, has garnered attention as a tenor who possesses “ringing high notes.” He last appeared with the Annapolis Opera in 2011 as part of Opera Amore. Other members of the cast include soprano Colleen Daly as Musetta, Timothy Mix as Marcello, Bradley Smoak, Gregory Gerbrandt, and Andrew Adelsberger.
A cast arrival party will be held at 5:30 pm on Sunday, February 23 at Les Folies Brasserie, located at 2552 Riva Road in Annapolis. This event is an opportunity to meet the cast and hear live performances of select arias, and will feature a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oevres. It is free and open to the public, however RSVPs are requested by emailing [email protected].
Ron Gretz is Artistic Director of the Annapolis Opera and is joined by Stage Director Braxton Peters and Costumer Lorraine vom Saal. For information call the Annapolis Opera at 410-280-5640 or visit www.annapolisopera.org. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.marylandhall.org/class_event/28110 or at the Maryland Hall Box Office.
Annapolis Opera Company has provided professionally staged operas and concerts for the mid-Atlantic region for the past 40 years. The Opera’s mission is to present artistically excellent professional opera productions, educational programs and other opera-related events, featuring emerging artists. More information on the Annapolis Opera is available at www.annapolisopera.org.
