Ensembles: Opera

MSU Opera Theatre and Symphony Orchestra presented Puccini’s tragic love story La Bohème, Spring 2004

EAST LANSING, Mich., March 29, 2004 – The MSU Opera Theatre and the MSU Symphony Orchestra presented Giacomo Puccini’s classic masterpiece, La Bohème at MSU’s Fairchild Theatre March 26 – 28, 2004.

The production updated the opera to a present-day, urban landscape with a cast of more than 50 MSU students, from freshman to doctoral level. It was sung in Italian with English subtitles. MSU Vocal Arts Faculty Member Melanie Helton was at the helm of this fully staged and costumed production. Raphael Jimenez, associate conductor of MSU orchestras, conducted the MSU Symphony Orchestra, and Kirk Domer, MSU Theatre Department faculty member, designed the elaborate, funky set.

Based on the novella, Scenes from the Lives of the Bohemians, by Henry Murger, La Bohème is the story of six young, impoverished Bohemians trying to "make it" in the tough world of the arts. The poet Rodolfo loves Mimi, a young woman dying from consumption. The painter Marcello loves Musetta, a coquettish singer of easy virtue. Their friends, Schaunard, a musician, and Colline, a philosopher, try to keep a roof above everyone's head. Soaring melodies and lush orchestrations were the backdrop for this story of passion, jealousy and ultimate tragedy.

From the Lansing State Journal awarding the "Thespies" for Lansing area theatre: "Melanie Helton, for a superb La Bohème at MSU. Operas aren't included in the Thespie awards for theatre; still, Helton should be noted for giving the show strong theatricality."

MSU Opera Production Staff:

Conductor: Raphael Jimenez/Dirk Meyer

Stage Director: Melanie Helton

Scenic Design: Kirk A. Domer

Lighting Design: Daniel A. Swalec/Lauren Hill