The 7th and 8th grade chorus went on a trip last week to The Metropolitan Opera (The Met) to see the final rehearsal of La Bohème. Prior to going to the opera, we had to do quite a bit of work over break. From reading the plot summary, to listening to the songs and answering question, we certainly earned this trip. After finding our seats way way wayyyyy up in the Family Circle, the commotion settled down as the mini chandeliers shot towards the ceiling and the lights dimmed. The show itself was amazing. While the main cast was only about seven characters, during the second act both tiers of the stage (there were two full platforms) were covered with people singing, children running around, and even animals! There were dogs, a donkey, and even a man dressed up as a bear.
La Bohéme was a big hit with the students! It was three hours long (with a long intermission for students to have lunch and a few shorter ones) and always entertaining. From what I’ve heard the 8th graders liked this opera better than last years which was the Met’s production of La Traviata (there were less students sleeping).
A modern adaptation of La Bohéme is the movie Rent. But, there will be a movie showing at the 19th street theater near Union Square, that is a filmed version of the Met’s La Bohéme including interviews with the set designers and other behind-the-scenes tidbits.
Us at the opera!
Images from Elle and Google Images