Bangor, ME – The Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will present a semi-staged production of Puccini’s La Bohème on Sunday, April 24th to close the Masterworks series of its 120th Like the BSO, La Bohème premiered in 1896. The production features a full cast of operatic talent, with Lucas Richman conducting, Loren Lester directing, costumes by Patricia Hibbert, and projected scenery designed by Eleanor Kipping.
The production is a first for the orchestra and also marks the first live professional opera production in the Bangor region in recent history. Collaborators on the special project include the Bangor Area Children’s Choir, the University of Maine Singers and Oratorio Society, and production partners the Collins Center for the Arts and University of Maine School of Performing Arts.
Puccini’s tale of love and loss in 19th century Paris will feature tenor John Bellemer (recently seen at the Boston Lyric Opera) as Rodolfo and rising star Emily Birsan (recently seen at the Lyric Opera of Chicago) as Mimi. Joining them are baritones Dan Kempson as Marcello, Aaron Engebreth as Schaunard, and Eric Mihan of Bangor as Colline. Soprano Jamilyn Manning-White sings the role of Musetta. Local performers Justin Zang and Ira Kramer round out the cast as Benoit and Parpignol.
The Bangor Symphony will offer a preview of the opera at the Bangor Public Library at 12pm on Thursday, April 21st. This free event led by Music Director Lucas Richman and Executive
Director Brian Hinrichs will serve as both an introduction to Puccini’s opera as well as a behind-the-scenes preview of the BSO’s production, featuring members of the cast and creative team.
Tickets for La Bohème are selling fast and are available online at bangorsymphony.org or by phone at (207) 581-1755.
A full cast and production list can be found below.
Cast
Rodolofo John Bellemer
Mimi Emily Birsan
Musetta Jamilyn Manning-White
Marcello Dan Kempson
Schaunard Aaron Engebreth
Colline Eric Mihan
Benoit Justin Zang
Alcindoro Ralph Cato
Parpignol Ira Kramer
Production
Conductor Lucas Richman
Director Loren Lester
Scenic Designer Eleanor Kipping
Costume Designer Patty Hibbert
Lighting Designer Scott Stitham
Production Manager Ben McNaboe
Chorus Director Francis Vogt
Children’s Chorus Robert Ludwig
Technical Director Jeff Richards
Properties Master Katherine Keaton
Stage Manager Nellie Kelly
Makeup Artist Michelle Bassis
Supertitles Operator Rogan Winch