A Review by Alisha Gomez
Opera Pacific’s La Boh & #269;me
Segerstrom Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center
Music by Giacomo Puccini; Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa; Conducted by Edoardo M & #252;ller; Directed by Michael Scarola; Scenery designed by Allen Moyer; Costumes designed by James Schuette
Giacomo Puccini’s “La Boh & #269;me” is a grand classic for Opera Pacific. Set in Paris on Christmas Eve in 1914 during World War I, the opera centers around an Italian theme close to heart, amore. “La Boh & #269;me” has been around for more than a hundred years (originally written by Puccini in 1896). But it resonates with audiences today at the Opera Pacific. Several of the cast members made debut operatic performances, including Kelly Kaduce in the lead role of Mimi. Kaduce was as lovely and vibrant as the name “Mimi” naturally evokes. Other debuts,Arturo Chac & #243;n-Cruz as Rodolfo, James Westman as Marcello and Lee Gregory as Schaunard,were equally as commanding. The chemistry between Chac & #243;n-Cruz as Rodolfo and Kaduce as Mimi was passionate and intense,just like the war that surrounded them. La Boh & #269;me dances from love and jealousy to obsession and the power of being connected. This love-heavy theme is spritzed with comedic moments, such as the scene where Rodolfo, Marcello, Schaunard and Colline (played by Andrew Gangestad) woo their landlord with booze and talk of women to get out of paying the rent. Another highlight: Megan Monaghan’s performance as the sultry and mischievous Musetta. Conductor Edoardo M & #252;ller stepped in for John DeMain, who’s currently at the Washington National Opera preparing for Bolcom’s “A View from the Bridge.” M & #252;ller moved from scene to scene fluidly and tirelessly, giving the audience a powerful concert filled with plenty of emotion. The costumes and scenery were originally created for the New York City Opera, Glimmerglass Opera and Houston Grand Opera,and continue to just dazzle on stage. There are two performances left, on Nov. 1 and Nov. 3. More details: www.ocpac.org ,
Alisha Gomez
