La Bohème

6 April 2011Sarah K

In late February, six intrepid students braved the bitter cold and snow (some of us in bare legs and heels) to attend the Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of La Bohème at the Royal Theatre. La Bohème, written by Giacomo Puccini, is the second most performed opera in North America after Madame Butterfly (also by Puccini). The musical Rent was loosely based on the story.

This beloved and timeless composition tells the story of a group of starving artists in Paris. A painter, a poet, a musician, and a philosopher, they live the bohemian lifestyle. The friends have been through their fair share of trials and tribulations. They burn one of the poet’s (Rodolfo’s) scripts to keep warm, while the painter (Marcello) is hopelessly in love with the flirtatious Musetta.

When a neighbor named Mimi knocks on the door looking for something with which to light her candle, she and Rodolfo get talking, and (as is bound to happen in opera) they fall deeply in love. This scene contains two fantastic arias, and a duet that “would melt even the coldest of hearts” according to Victoria Theatre Reviews. However, tragedy is not far off. Mimi is quite ill, and as her sickness worsens she and Rodolfo part ways. Alone, her condition worsens and she returns to Rodolfo’s apartment to die.

Luc Robert, who was to play the leading role of Rodolfo, contracted a case of bronchitis the week before opening night. During dress rehearsals, Benjamin Butterfield (a Brentwood grad and highly esteemed tenor) stepped into the role. American tenor Gerard Powers took Robert’s place during the first two performances. Robert made a full recovery and sang in the remaining performances.

This simple, romantic, and tragic drama moves along at quite a pace. Not one of us regretted attending – it was a very enjoyable performance and well worth the cold. Thanks to Brentwood Musical Director, Mr. Newns, for organizing the trip for us.

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