PUCCINI’S IMMORTAL OPERA “LA BOHEME”
TO BE STAGED ON OCTOBER 2008

Probably the most well-loved opera to date, Giacomo Puccini’s “La Boheme”, a co-production of the Philippine Opera Company and the Cultural Center of the Philippines will be staged on October 3, 4 and 5 2008 at the CCP Main Theater.

The production promises a unique take on Puccini’s immortal love story. Using the original libretto, the production will transport “La Boheme” to a modern day colony of young independent artists searching for their place in the sun. The tragic love story of Mimi and Rodolfo is juxtaposed against a vibrant and tempestuous indie art scene.

"La Bohème is the story of the doomed love affair between Mimi, stricken with tuberculosis and the Bohemian Rodolfo. Encompassing romance, drama, and unforgettable music, La Bohème has been called 'the world's most popular opera” by The New York Times, and is currently experiencing a flurry of traditional and new interpretations on Broadway and national opera stages.

(The original production, inspired by an autobiographical novel written by Henri Murger in the 1840's.)

Over the years, this tale of passion among the impoverished has been used as the template for a number of romances. The ever-so-hip RENT, winner of the 1996 Pulitzer/Tony-winning musical, doffs its beret to the original source in its song "La Vie Boheme." And, let's not forget the revolutionary effect Puccini's opera had on Cher's character as she is literally swept off her feet by Nicolas Cage in the popular 1987 film "Moonstruck."

Puccini's music moves decisively from revelry to romance as it inexorably carries the story toward its tragic conclusion. Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline, and Schaunard are the original starving artists; sharing an attic apartment. When Rodolfo falls for the beautiful but ailing Mimì, their tragic love affair becomes an emotional center, deepening the loves, ambitions, and friendships of the entire group.

Audiences have undeniably cherished La Bohème for centuries perhaps because audiences see redemption in the gallant efforts of Muzetta, Marcello and Colline to make Mimi’s departure a little more comfortable – to signify that life is not just about flesh and blood, but about acts of kindness and love.

This 2008 production brings a talented young cast and fresh, inventive staging to this operatic tour-de-force. Playing the lead roles are tenors Juan Alberto Gaerlan, Dondi Ong and Seattle Opera based Gary del Rosario debut as Rodolfo. Sopranos Jennifer Uy and Maribel Miguel make their debut as Mimì while sopranos Ana Feleo and Elaine Lee play Muzetta. Baritones Lawrence Jatayna and Jesus Baang plays Marcello, Joseleo Logdat and John Campos plays Colline and Schaunard respectively. Sharing the event is the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Acclaimed stage director Floy Quintos directs this modern opera to be sung in its original Italian language. For tickets, block sales and sponsorship please contact Philippine Opera Company at 892-878

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