OPERA REVIEW: La Boheme - The Opera House, Manchester.

 

Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 masterpiece, ‘La Bohème’ was the second night of three one night only shows put on by Ellen Kent, featuring Ukrainian Opera and Ballet theatre, at Manchester Opera House. Very much like the night before, it was a packed house ready for the frivolities and drama which ‘La Bohème’ had to offer.

Set during Le Belle Époque in a wintery Paris, we follow four bohemian artists living together, struggling in their craft to heat their apartment. Our lead, Rodolfo, a poet (tenor, Sorin Lupu) burns his manuscript to keep himself and his flatmates, the painter Marcello (baritone, Olexandr Forkushak), philosopher Colline (bass, Valeriu Cojocaru) and musician Schaunard (baritone Vitalii Cebotari) warm. When a chance encounter happens and Rodolfo is introduced to Mimi, a poor seamstress (soprano, Alyona Kistenyova), it appears to be love at first sight; later juxtaposed with the rekindling of the turbulent relationship between Marcello and Musetta (soprano, Olga Perrier). However the happiness does not last as Mini develops tuberculosis, causing Rodolfo to worry and end things with her. As the months pass, time appears to heal the wounds between our two lovers who reunite one last time, however under rather sombre circumstances.

‘La Bohème’ is boisterous and full of energy, yet is not without its more emotional parts. It shows us an immaturity through our characters and the peppy music, there is a humour which plays out before the audience especially between Marcello and flirtatious Musetta (where a special mention must be given to Forkushak and Perrier for their chemistry and especially to the former who steals the show in Act II). Whereas the relationship between Marcello and Musetta offer us some comedy, another special mention must be given to Lupu and Kistenyova, whose performances offer pathos and true romance. Our characters’ interactions are childlike at times however without a moment’s notice the mood can change to something more serious, much like the volatile artists in the show. There is a perfect blend of emotions presented to us and that is what really stood out; similar to ‘Carmen’ last year there is this all-out-gusto about it. However I do not mean to make comparisons as both are revered for their own merits. Rather unfortunately due to current circumstances, ‘La Bohème’ has become unintendedly relevant and poignant again, as the country struggles to keep warm and money is tight, there is established this relationship between ourselves and the characters, however unlike some bohemians, poverty is not voluntary. ‘La Bohème’ evokes a range of reactions and emotions from the audience all within two hours.

As has been mentioned many times before, with a Kent production you get an authentic production which drips with rich and lavish aurora, but not to the point where it ruins the bohemianism which the story so heavily replies upon. The set design was some of the best, with props which did not look out of place, beautiful backdrops showing the newly constructed Eiffel tower and the domes of Sacré-Cœur and the physical tenements in the background with smoking chimneys. One can tell that due care and attention was especially given to the mise-en-scene for ‘La Bohème’ which created a truly immersive experience. We feel warm and gay during Act II in the bar with the festivities going on and colourful decorations which are shown, and we also feel cold and vulnerable in Act III in the snow, struggling to keep warm behind a tree. Everything seems to work so well on stage, and the interactions to the surroundings really worked wonders in taking us out of Manchester Opera House, and to the Latin Quarter in Paris one hundred plus years ago. As previous stated, production quality is a big thing with these operas, and ‘La Bohème’ is the one which showcases this the best.

I wrote in my review of ‘Madama Butterfly’ that I wondered what was in store as they were starting with what had been the best show last year, and we were not disappointed! ‘La Bohème’ is pure enjoyment and satisfaction from start to finish, in the story, music, characters and set design. Furthermore it is incredible and a real testament to them that the Ukrainian Opera can put on such an outstanding show having travelled through warzones and bombings only a couple of weeks ago. If ever there was a show of strength and solidarity, then that was the night where everyone gave it their all to put on a truly wonderful show. The response from the audience showed this too, as the applause was plentiful and cheers, shouts and whistles filled the theatre. ‘La Bohème’ really left its mark for Ellen Kent in Manchester and secured the success of the tour here before going on elsewhere where I have no doubt it will achieve the same success. Verdi’s ‘Aida’ will be closing the run in Manchester, and if there are any tickets left then I would strongly recommend getting them as you will not be disappointed.

Reviewer - Daryl Griffin
on - 27.1.23