Opera in the Heights Presents Puccini's LA BOHEME

Opera in the Heights (Oh!) presents Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème as the second offering of its 21st season, opening Friday, Nov. 11. The story follows a group of starving artists and lifelong friends who find joy amid poverty and transcendent love in the face of tragedy.

Since its premiere in 1896, La Bohème has become a cornerstone of the standard repertoire as one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. With unforgettable characters and some of the most cherished music in the repertoire, La Bohème holds a unique place in the hearts of opera lovers. For those new to opera, it is the ideal "first piece," and for devoted fans, there is still much to discover from our favorite Bohemians, Mimí, Rodolfo, and friends, in the intimacy of Lambert Hall.

"As is the case for many opera fans, Bohème is the reason I first fell in love with the art form, and you never forget your first love," says Eiki Isomura, Principal Conductor for Opera in the Heights. "It is a magical piece of storytelling, in which we are made to care about every character. Everything they experience, from ecstatic love to unbearable grief, we experience with them."

An even mix of artists based in Houston and around the country, the cast features some of today's rising stars making their return to the Oh! stage, having given unforgettable performances in past seasons. Soprano Amanda Kingston-Beetle (Lucia inLucia di Lammermoor in 2014), and tenor Dane Suarez (The Duke in Rigoletto in 2014) will play the romantic couple, Mimí and Rodolfo. Portraying the contrasting, more comedic couple, Musetta and Marcello, are much sought-after New York-based soprano Natalie Polito and Houston-based baritone Blas Canedo Gonzalez, both of whom are making Oh! debuts.

Performance dates are Nov. 11, 17 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale online now atoperaintheheights.org. Single tickets prices are $35 - $67 for regular tickets, $32 - $58 for seniors and $15 - $17 for student tickets in limited seating areas. Parents of children 16 and under can purchase premier seats with a special ticket price just for kids during checkout. All performances take place at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Boulevard.

Join Opera in the Heights after the Sunday matinee for a Post-Performance "Talk-Back" with the cast. Following the Thursdayevening performance, members of the Young Opera Lovers Organization (YOLO) for young professionals will gather for a Post-Performance YOLO Cocktail Hour at Harold's in the Heights.

Opera in the Heights is a professional opera company that exists to provide a stage for emerging performers and to bring affordable opera to the Greater Houston Area. All operas are fully staged with orchestra and presented in the original language with English translation (where applicable) projected above the stage.

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