« "La Bohème": a great reason to head to the Detroit Opera House »

Rating:  4 out of Fordyce (Perfect)

I hear some of you…. “Opera is dull, it is slow moving, I don’t understand the plot.” Well, I am here to tell you that you will say none of that if you head to the Detroit Opera House for La Bohème.

Kelly Kaduce plays Mimi and Francesco Demuro is Rudolfo in MOT’s 2010 production of La Bohème.

Puccini’s venerable story of the poor starving artists comes to life in an amazing presentation on stage courtesy of the Michigan Opera Theater. Now in its 40th year, this group of dedicated professionals and volunteers continue to bring us high quality entertainment. and this show is one of the best examples I have seen.

Under the watchful eye of its director David DiChiera (who has been the guy in charge for the entire 40 year life of MOT) the cast and crew present this classic opera in a way that can only be described as breathtaking. From the scenes in the apartment the young men share to a party scene on the street, you will feel special knowing that you have been invited in to witness this love story with a tragic ending.

The cast here is marvelous. Director Mario Corradi should be proud of bringing this group together for two and half hours of powerful singing, great acting, and a stage presence that is second to none. Francesco Demuro is outstanding in his Michigan Opera Theater debut as Rudolfo. While he and all the men are great, the ladies stand out just a little above them. Kimwana Doner is Musetta. She exudes the sexiness and sensitivity her part calls for and she does it oh so well.  Opening night, we were treated to Kelly Kaduce as Mimi.  I have seen this opera many times and she is the BEST Mimi I have seen.  She plays the part in the understated manner I think Puccini wanted when he wrote this masterpiece over a hundred years ago.
 
Added to the fun of this production are great sets that will amaze you, fantastic lighting, and great music from the orchestra under the direction of Giuliano Carella.

La Bohème is in Italian, but that is not a problem. MOT uses a screen above the action that lets you follow along so easily you won’t know it’s there.  A quick glance up and you are up to date on the story.  The purists who already know the story can just ignore the screen and everyone will be happy they took the time out of their busy lives to enjoy this treat the gets a perfect four out of Fordyce.

One note: not all of the cast members are in all of the shows. Some of the male roles change, and while we enjoyed Ms. Kaduce as Mimi, some of you will enjoy Grazia Doronzioin in that role at some performances, so if you have favorites in this cast you should consult the MOT website before getting your tickets.  But do get your tickets right away. La Bohème only runs through November 21 and it is on its way to being a sellout.