by Angela Rocco DeCarlo
Pacific Symphony’s masterful concert production of Giacomo Puccini’s great love story, “La Boheme,” is the very distillation of operatic chic. With Carl St. Clair conducting and A. Scott Parry directing, the Pacific Symphony orchestra’s vibrant, yet, velvet backdrop to the opera’s sexy lead singers produced a singular intimate sensation.
Frankly, it was a revelation to experience such an affecting “La Boheme” in a concert setting. Last night’s performance at the Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, ( next April 21 & 24 ) demonstrates Puccini was and remains a great artist of human emotions. His music – which he orchestrated, as well as composed – apparently doesn’t need elaborate sets and costumes when it has young beautiful actors with fine voices to carry the drama.
Hyung Yun as Marcello captivated with his abundant dramatic charm and exasperation at Georgia Jarman’s naughty Musetta. Denis Sedov’s imposing stature as Colline is endlessly graceful, while David Lomeli as Rodolfo and Maija Kovalevska and Mimi make real the unfortunate lovers. Jeremy Kelly’s Schaunard is the resourceful friend. Together they filled a stage devoid of elaborate sets and costumes with beautiful singing and effective acting. The audience's “bravos" and standing ovation were well-deserved. There was one voice heard to cheer…”Bravo Puccini.” Afterall, without him it would have been merely an empty stage. There are two more performances, April 21 and 24th. Preview talk by Alan Chapman, 7 p.m.
Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
April 21, 24 – 8 p.m.
For tickets call 714-755-5788
Or visit http://www.pacificsymphony.org
Tickets $30 - $110
Angela Rocco DeCarlo
Entertainment/travel writer
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