Bay View Bohemians
Aug. 7, 2015
If you love the Broadway play "RENT," chances are you'll also like "La Bohème." Based on Henri Murger's novel "Scènes de la vie de Bohème" – a collection of short stories about youthful bohemians living in Paris in the 1840s – "La Bohème" was the inspiration behind "RENT," which is about youthful bohemians living in New York City.
But we digress. The real reason for this theater history lesson is that "La Bohème" is coming to Bay View in Petoskey, and will mark the only fully-staged opera in the region this year.
"A lot of companies will do music from a particular opera, or 'opera's greatest hits' – and we do those shows here, too," said Chris Ludwa, Bay View's artistic director. "But this is the full "La Bohème," all four acts, with full set, costumes, and orchestra."
This is also the first time Bay View has done a fully-staged opera at their historical John M. Hall auditorium; operas are usually presented at the high school, but it's under construction.
It's also one of opera's most accessible – chances are you've heard several of "La Bohème's" melodies in movies and commercials.
La Bohème will run Aug. 11, 13, 14, 15 at 8pm at the John M. Hall Auditorium in Bay View. Seating starts at $20; for tickets and more info, visit bayviewfestival.org.