Puccini’s La bohème, creatively interpreted by Opera Columbus and Shadowbox Live, will run a second set of show dates in 2013. With a cast of local performers, La bohème will be performed every Sunday at 5 p.m., February 17 through April 14, excluding the Easter holiday. The performance will take place at Shadowbox Live’s Backstage Bistro, where admission is free but reservations are recommended and premium seats are available for $10.
This cabaret-style version of the French opera, La bohème, and inspired Broadway musical, Rent, ran at capacity in Columbus in 2012. Directed by Stev Guyer and performed by local artists, the production is an English-language adaptation of Puccini’s opera, first performed in 1896. The opera tells the multifaceted story of a community of artists in Paris, with particular attention to the dramatic relationship between Rodolfo and Mimi.
PNC Arts Alive is providing a grant in order to fund the show. PNC supports visual and performing arts groups in hopes of encouraging art awareness and engagement in modern and interesting ways. PNC regional president, Michael Gonsiorowski, further explains the purpose of Arts Alive and their reasons for funding the show. “The PNC Foundation has a long history of providing grants to organizations that strengthen and enrich the lives of our communities,” he says. “We understand that a rich arts community is a significant driver of our economic success,” he adds.
The performance is also made possible through the recent partnership of Opera Columbus and Shadowbox Live. Together, their goal is to provide a new interactive opera experience in a relaxed setting. Since 1981, Opera Columbus has aimed to educate, enlighten and entertain Ohio through the musical theatre experience. Shadowbox Live is the largest residential theater company in America, and they strive to provide unique and memorable live experiences. It seems both organizations are succeeding in their endeavors, and Columbus is happy to welcome back the La bohème production for a second round.
