“La Boheme” Rocks

(Co-authored by Roxanne Sweney)

 In the ranks of opera, “La Boheme” arguably stands at the top.  There are others at the top, such as Mozart’s “Don Giovani”, Verdi’s “Otello”, and much of Wagner.  However, Puccinni’s “La Boheme” seems eternally contemporary with some of the greatest musical composition on stage.  Any list of greatest operas would be incomplete without it.

Saturday’s performance at the Long Center lived up to the reputation.  

I don’t claim to be an opera expert.  I have been to a few, but this was my first “La Boheme”.  Therefore, I may not be fully aware of some of the traditions associated with its performance.

For example, the performance began with the Star Spangled Banner.  I didn’t know if that was a tradition or in recognition of the Ft Hood tragedy.  Either way, the entire sold out audience stood and sang along. After that, it was time to play ball.

Another tradition is at the conclusion of Act 2 when the cast proposes a toast, we were served glasses of champagne as we retreated to the lobby.  A fine tradition, I think.

For me, the big moment of the opera is Act 1’s aria “Che Gelida Manina”.  This is one of the classic tenor tests of fortitude, and mastering the higher C at the end is the money shot.  Sebastien Gieze nailed it.

The entire cast was excellent.  Sebatien Gueze as Rodolfo has a powerful and lively voice and seemed very comfortable in the role.  Dina Kuznetsova as Mimi and Sari Gruber as Musetta both have the expressive and resonant soprano voices meant for these roles.  Texan Craig Verm also stood out in his baritone Marcello role.

All cast members were able to deliver not only musically but theatrically.  They embellished the comedic as well as the tragic flow of the production.  The supporting cast was also impressive.  I know from experience that some of the choral parts of this score are challenging, and I noted no flaws in its presentation.

Some of the short comings had little to do with those on stage.  When we arrived at 5 PM, there was a black tie and tux event occurring in the outdoor terrace.  I remember getting an email about some event with cocktails and it was unclear if we were invited.  We weren’t the only ones confused.  I didn’t notice any signage to indicate what it was or who it was for.  It was a bit awkward.

Next we set up at our blogger table and there was nobody to tell us the login credentials to get online.  Eventually Roxanne tracked down a guy to run back to his office and get us the information.

Despite copious warnings and common sense, someone had their cell phone on in Act 1 and it rang as Rodolfo and Mimi were on their hands and knees looking for the lost key and trying to sing their parts.  Perhaps we need to administer an intelligence test before allowing these annoying people into the hall?

The biggest imbroglio happened at the conclusion of Act 1.  The curtain came down and then lights went on, so we joined most of the rest of the audience in departing for intermission.  However, there was no intermission.  The program showed no intermission after Act 1, that it would occur after Act 2.  We recognized it sooner than others and took our seats.  Not so for most of the audience, who were still milling about in the aisles as the curtain rose and Act 2 commenced.  

We were a little disappointed at the 2nd intermission that the wine Roxanne placed on the press table was gone.  She had left it there with a note when we went back into the hall for Act 3, but wonderful health laws mandate that Long Center staff toss it out.  

As far as other logistics, things went pretty well.  We parked in the parking garage for $7, which is as good a value as anywhere else.  Leaving the parking garage at night’s end is contentious, but when you have a sold out performance you just need to exhibit some patience and understanding as the masses vacate.  The Long Center is a great venue with comfortable seating and environs, great evening view of the Austin skyline from the lobby, and great acoustics in the hall.  The Long Center staff are very courteous and helpful.  We bought the aforementioned wine, some cookies, and a fruit/cheese plate.  Although it was typical concession pricing, the quality was quite good and we were satisfied.

Additionally, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell had a prominent role in leading the marching soldiers onto stage at the conclusion of Act 2.  I saw him on the way out at night’s end and congratulated him on filling the role.  I didn’t know if he would remember me from the Libertarian Party’s candidates forum that I moderated, and I still don’t.

 Richard Buckley and the ALO symphony are fantastic.  I think this is the 4th ALO performance I have attended under Buckley and I have never been unimpressed.  We certainly do have our share of great artists in Austin.

I also must compliment the set designers.  Again, I have yet to be unimpressed by an ALO production. 

Lastly, I have to compliment composer Giacomo Puccini.  Being a tenor myself with the Texas Choral Consort and having attempted some of Puccini’s great tenor arias, I think I have a natural affinity to his compositions.  La Boheme is a great demonstration of Puccini’s genius.  When performed well, that genius shines through.  

Speaking of the Texas Choral Consort, I predictably saw quite a few of my fellow singers in attendance.  Of course being seated at the a table in the lobby with an AustinPost name plate tends to draw attention anyway.  I suspect my TCC cohorts will concur with my opinions expressed here.

In conclusion, if you can get a ticket for the remaining 3 performances, don’t pass it up.  “La Boheme” doesn’t come around every day, and at least once in your life you should experience this masterpiece performed well.  This performance rocks!