Review by George Dixon
Twenty Twenty-Four marks the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s death.
There would be no better way to celebrate this occasion than to present what is uncountably one of Opera’s most loved works, La Bohème.
Reading Puccini’s biography is like reading an Opera, with all of the elements played out.
This romantic comedy/tragedy never fails to delight artists and audiences alike; with all of the elements flowing in synchronization, the audience experience is extremely rewarding and satisfying.
Melbourne Opera has excelled in assembling a stunning world-class principal cast whose professionalism, skills, and talent allow each character to shine.
Gary Abrahams, Director, and Harriet Oxley Costume Design have provided outstanding visuals and placements that are reminiscent of paintings and visuals depicting the 1830s, especially the market and café scenes in Act 2.
Abraham demonstrates his outstanding direction through the use of open and tight spaces while bringing balance to each segment.
The sincerity and nonchalant attitudes of Rodolfo (Boyd Owens), Marcello (Christopher Tonkin), Schaunard (Stephen Smith) and Colline (Darcy Carrol) come through as comical and realistic, with banter and dialogue that naturally flows.
Oxley’s costume designs capture the essence of Parish fashion, along with the style and quality of Italian tailoring; the four gentlemen’s coats and or jackets are outstanding.
The stark contrast of Mini’s (Elena Xanthoudakis) and Musetta’s (Helena Dix) dresses reflects each character and their persona, one quiet and reserved, the other loud and opulent.
I was blown away by the Set Design by Jacob Battista and Sophie Woodwood.
Each set is full height, three of them incorporating a mezzanine floor; one has discreet references to Melbourne reflective through the windows, and another has a mural of one of Marcello’s paintings on its wall. The curtain drop separates each act; the time taken for each change is not long and well worth the wait.
Raymone Lawrence (Conductor, Head of Music and Chorus Master) has produced a masterpiece of emotional music and vocals that provide pure poetry and richness that draws you into each scene, be it the market /café or Mimi’s final act. The balance and syncopation transform the atmosphere as the story unfolds.
Hats off to the casting team for their selections of Boyd Owens, Christopher Tonkin, Stephen Smith, Darcy Carrol, and John Bolton-Wood (Benoit/Alcindoro). Asher Reichman (Parpignol), the magnificent Elena Xanthoudakis and the wonderful Helena Dix.
Their casting for voice, physicality and harmony balance could not have been any better. Each character comes to life in a very believing manner.
The most outstanding is Helena Dix as Musetta’s with her seductive red dress, flashing eyes and a wicked smile.
Musetta not only captures the cast and audience she commands with her stage presence, but her flamboyant larger-than-life persona gives way to her sensitive, kind-hearted concerns for her dying friend Mimi in Act 4, thus showing the human and emotional dimension of Musetta.
La Bohème is currently playing at The Athenaeum Theatre Melbourne.
