“A lot of the acting and the movement in this piece comes out of the music,” Hoomes said. Of course, in an opera, the truth and the emotion of the story come less from the text and more from the music. In 'La Bohème,' just like in real life, there’s very little telegraphing that this kind of an ending is coming.” I personally like to approach it as more of a romantic musical comedy that has a very sad ending. It’s about the good times and the bad times in life. “I think Puccini was very clear-eyed in how he approached the relationships in this story. Like the book, the opera is realistic in its point of view, Hoomes said. “La Bohème” is based on “Scènes de la vie de bohème,” the 1851 serialized novel by Henri Merger, which put Bohemians and their lifestyle on the map. Hoomes disagrees with the idea that Puccini’s work is overly sentimental. The show also features new costumes by Susan Memmott Allred. Featuring an artists’ loft and outdoor cafes, the production brings back the Nashville Opera’s original “La Bohème” set designed by renowned scenic designer Peter Harrison in 2014 and sponsored by The Three of Us Foundation. The story was originally set in Paris in the 1830s, but this production places the characters in Paris between World War I and World War II, when the City of Light was a hub of artistic and literary life. And who doesn’t like a little bit of drama?” It’s about not sweating the small stuff, because you never know when it’s your time to do the big bow out. It’s about everyday people trying to make a buck, live free, and find love. “This opera isn’t about aristocrats or royalty. I think the audience becomes enraptured by the camaraderie of the characters.”Īudiences will also find much to relate to in this show, she added. We’re an ensemble cast playing an ensemble group of artist friends. “This show is very relatable and fun for us as artists. Johnson said she’s had the privilege of singing Mimi six times and it feels new every time.

La boheme opera raleigh