It Takes a Village

Welcome to CODA! Coda comes from the latin word for “tail,” and in music, it indicates an additional passage at the end of a piece of music, a final flourish that compliments what’s come before. CODA goes beyond the curtain call to explore this unique and astonishing art form. Whether you’re a first-time opera goer or a seasoned audience member, CODA is for you. Bi-weekly, we’ll enhance your experience of this opera with behind-the-scenes highlights, educational articles, listening lists, and much, much more!?

We are less than two weeks from the opening night of La bohème, and we are buzzing with excitement! Most operas are large affairs, and it takes more than a few people to put a show like La bohème on its feet. Before the curtain rises on opening night, dozens of people will have left their mark on this production. This week we want to introduce you to just a few of the creative masters who take La bohème from the page to the stage.?

On stage

Of course, you can’t make opera happen without singing artists. La bohème revolves around the love between poet Rodolfo and the seamstress Mimì; in this unique production we travel with them from Mimì’s tragic end to the moment their love blossoms with the lighting of a candle. Our lovers are portrayed by two internationally-renowned artists, soprano Lauren Michelle, who you may remember from 2019’s Pagliacci, and tenor Jesus Garcia, who last graced our stage in Champion this past spring.

Adding to the drama are the passionate Marcello and Musetta, whose volatile relationship creates fireworks wherever they go. Soprano Chelsea Basler returns to BLO after her performance in Cavelleria Rusticana as Musetta, and baritone Edward Parks sings the painter Marcello. Colline and Schunard, played by William Guanbo Su and Benjamin Taylor, round out our group of Bohemians. BLO emerging artists Junhan Choi and Fred C. VanNess Jr. appear as the hapless Alcindoro and the toy seller, Parpignol. Marshall Hughes plays The Wanderer, a character unique to our reverse Bohème, who guides us through the drama.?

Our BLO opera chorus plays an essential role in La bohème, led by chorus master Brett Hodgdon. Our children’s chorus appears courtesy of VOICES Boston.?

In the pit

It takes a strong hand to lead 8 singers and over 40 orchestra players, and the responsibility goes to a familiar face: BLO Music Director, David Angus. Now in his 10th season with BLO, David has conducted a majority of our productions since 2011, and regularly appears as a guest conductor with opera companies and symphony orchestras around the world.?

Our orchestra, headed up by concertmaster Annie Rabbat, transports us to 19th century Paris with their evocative, expressive playing of Puccini’s greatest score.?

In the rehearsal room?

Our reverse Bohème is the creation of American director Yuval Sharon, whose visionary productions breathe new life into the operatic form. Yuval was the first American ever invited to direct at Bayreuth, and directs at major opera houses all over the world. Revival Director James Blaszko unites the original production with our cast and conductor, blending them together in perfect harmony.?

Setting the scene

La bohème transports us to a variety of locales; a sparse, dingy Paris apartment, the vibrant Cafe Momus, a bustling street festival. Set designer and BLO Artistic Advisor John Conklin has created a versatile set that tilts and spins, allowing us to easily transition from setting to setting.?

Anyone who works in theater can tell you that the stage picture isn’t really clear until the lighting is added. John Torres’ beautiful lighting design not only illuminates the faces of our artists, but adds on to the power of John Conklin’s set, evoking a chilly winter or a warm cafe.?

In the dressing room

There is power in a good costume. Many singers will tell you that they don’t feel complete in their characterization until they’re fully dressed, and feeling comfortable and confident onstage is of the utmost importance. Our costume designer, Jessica Jahn, along with wig and makeup designer Earon Dianna, add the finishing touches to our production, transforming our artists from 2022 to the 1840s.

There are countless others working behind the scenes to create opera magic - stage management, dressers, supers, stagehands, ushers, stitchers, makeup artists, and many more - whose work and dedication to this art form allow us to exist. We can’t list them all here, but our gratitude is endless.?

We hope you will join us for this innovative production of? La bohème. Presented in reverse order, this new take on an old classic will transport you from Mimì’s tragic death to her vibrant life, from loss to young love, from despair to hope.

Take a journey to the past with us, September 23-October 2 at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. Click here for tickets, cast details, and more about our innovative new production.?

What would you like to see in CODA? Let us know in the comments!?

Want to learn more? Sign up for our mailing list to stay up-to-date on all things BLO.

Save 20% when you become a BLO subscriber! Click here for more information.