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.