St. George Opera presents “La Boheme” at Kayenta
By Merrie Campbell-Lee
For three nights in October, world-class performers from St. George Opera will give southwestern Utah a Broadway-caliber performance of “La Boheme” at a fraction of the cost. Performances will be given at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3, 5, and 11 at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta in Ivins.
“’La Boheme’ is definitely the first opera you should see,” said David Sauer, director of St. George Opera and tenor. “Because ‘La Boheme’ shows off what opera is all about: passion, expressed through moving melodies, a compelling story, striking costumes and dazzling sets. The music of ‘La Boheme’ is some of the most beautiful and famous ever written and the plot is captivating. Opera as an art form was created to show off the very best in humans’ creative achievements.”
In the 21st century, opera’s base of raving fans has grown, thanks in part to the Broadway hit musical “Rent,” which is based on “La Boheme.” But as far as which version of “La Boheme” to see, Sauer recommends you see the performances coming to Kayenta in October.
“We have a cast of world-class performers in our production whose vocal and stage talents are extraordinary,” Sauer said. “I can’t overstate how the intimate black-box theater heightens the experience. Audiences get to see the subtleties and nuances of facial expressions, gestures, details you wouldn’t be able to see in a large theater. It’s like watching a live movie.”
Puccini’s famous four-act Italian opera plays out the tragic love affair between the poor poet Rodolfo and an equally poor seamstress, Mimi, in the Latin Quarter of 19th century Paris. Along the way, their story becomes hilariously and dramatically intertwined with their group of friends — neighbors, artistic roommates, lovers, etc. Subtitles will be provided on screen.
Come early on the first two nights of the performance and enjoy a delicious two-course Italian meal, courtesy of Chef Alfredo’s Ristorante Italiano, with wine available for purchase. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. on the outdoor plaza. Dinner will not be served Oct. 11; however, the concurrent Art In Kayenta Festival will have a wine and beer garden and food for sale before 6 p.m. In case of inclement weather, dinner will be served in the Lorberbaum-Stahl studio adjacent to the theater.
Purchase tickets at kayentaarts.com or call (435) 674-2787. Tickets are $30 and $10 for students. Dinner costs $25. Get $5 off when you purchase two tickets to both. Select “Dinner and a show” option on the dropdown ticketing menu. The Center for the Arts at Kayenta is located at 881 Coyote Gulch Ct. in Ivins.
