
Knoxville Opera presents one of the most performed and beloved operas of all time with their production of La bohème. With shows tonight and Sunday at the Tennessee Theatre, audiences are promised a wild ride of emotions with this classic set in Paris’ artist quarter in the 1830s. Modern audiences will note that echoes of the production could be found in the Broadway hit, Rent.
The absolute star of the show (in this novice’s opinion) is the score by Giacomo Puccini, even though it’s reception has been tepid from critics over the years. Under the leadership of Conductor Michelle Rofrano, the orchestra delivers the goods with beautiful melodies throughout. One of my favorite facets about opera is that there are so many facets. On any given night, in any given production, you can love the score, the libretto, the vocals, the lighting, the costumes (by Glenn Avery Breed in this case), the choreography, or simply the magical montage of it all. Any of the above is likely worth the price of admission.



Knoxville Opera veteran Stage Director Dean Anthony assumes that role, once more, to good effect. Christy Lee directs the chorus and Amanda Fintak leads the children’s chorus. The lead rolls of Rodolfo and Mimi are sung and acted by Ben Gulley and Rebecca Krynski Cox, respectively. As always, the vocals of the leads as well as the cast rise to and beyond the occasion.
The libretti by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa carries a storyline that will seem familiar to opera-goers: Love, complication, not-necessarily-happy ending. Still, large amounts of levity are shared along the way, along with lots of human emotion, lust, love, loss, and more. The topic of the opera could be argued to be poverty, as each of the characters lives a seemingly impoverished life, though they would likely argue that art and love make it rich. Still, they are often hungry and cold, and the story’s ultimate tragedy is laid somewhat at the feet of lack of medical care due to limited financial resources.
You’ll find it all this weekend at the lovely Tennessee Theatre, with two performances this weekend (Friday, 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2:30 pm). Tickets are available here and start at $45.
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The other set of shows I want to mention this weekend happens at Relix Theater (1208 N. Central Street). In its 13th iteration, this is the event that brings out the best in local music. Bands reunite, artists give their best performance of the year, bands mix and merge: It’s amazing every single year. It’s also a one-stop shop to start learning about local bands, remember one of your old favorites, or find your new local favorite.
It’s also filled with good humans doing a good thing to help out. This year’s proceeds ($10 each night to enter) all go to Knoxville Community Radio. There’s a raffle. Someone will almost certainly give you a hug. You need to be there.
I’ll have a report and lots of pictures next week.