| The Scene In and Around Boston . . . By Hilda M. Morrill October 19, 2007
On Friday, September 28, the Boston Lyric Opera transformed the Grand Ballroom of the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel into the Latin Quarter of Paris for their annual fundraising gala ball, "La vie de Boheme - A Night at Cafe Momus." The festive La Boheme-themed occasion featured a French bistro-style dinner, a live auction and performances by several of Boston's young artists. Proceeds raised will benefit the BLO's Calderwood Audience Development Fund. The BLO's 2007-2008 Season opens with “La Boheme” on Friday, November 2, at the Citi Shubert Threatre. Some corresponding events are scheduled prior to opening night. On Tuesday, October 23 from 7–8 p.m., BLO presents a free preview at the Boston Public Library. Liz Perlman, owner of Costume Works, Inc. will show how the intricate period costumes are made, fitted and refitted for different opera singers. Following Ms. Perlman’s discussion, tenor Edgar Ramirez will present excerpts from Puccini’s beloved opera. On Friday, October 26 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, Richard Beams, professional opera lecturer, will provide an in-depth look at the opera. Thomas Edison wrote, "Men die and governments change, but the songs of La bohème will live forever." Indeed this poignant sketch of bohemian life in Paris remains perhaps the most popular and frequently performed opera in the world today. Yet its premiere was no success! Why? Hear for yourself what was so radical and new in 1896—and what today remains endlessly captivating. A light brunch is included. Check out admission fees and register online at www.blo.org/education. Also, one hour prior to each performance, Professor Beams will conduct a free half-hour lecture inside the Shubert Theatre. These lectures will give the audience an overview of the plot, some insight into the history of the composer and opera, and also a “sneak peek” into BLO’s production. These talks are free for performance ticket holders. Reservations are not required. For more information about these and other educational offerings, call 617-542-4912, ext. 239, or visit www.blo.org/education.
Gail Mazur Will Read Her Poetry at the ICA The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) presents a reading by poet Gail Mazur, as part of "Words from the Walk," a series organized in conjunction with the Creative Writing Program at UMass Boston, on October 25 at 6:30 p.m. The program is free, but space is limited. Tickets are available at the ICA's admission desk one hour before the program. For more information, visit www.icaboston.org or call 617-478-3103. Mazur is Writer in Residence at Emerson College and Founding Director of the Blacksmith House Poetry Series in Cambridge, a weekly poetry reading series she ran for 29 years. The Institute of Contemporary Art, located at 100 Northern Avenue, is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free after 5 p.m. on Target Free Thursday Nights. For more information, call 617-478-3100 or visit www.icaboston.org.
50th Anniversary Performances of “West Side Story” The Boston Conservatory Theater Ensemble presents a 50th anniversary production of “West Side Story,” Leonard Bernstein's masterpiece, October 25 to November 4 at The Boston Conservatory Mainstage Theater, 31 Hemenway St., Boston. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call 617-912-9222. “West Side Story,” perhaps the most famous and beloved musical in America, is still as vibrant and daring as is was when it premiered in 1957. Loosely based on Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet,” it is a tragic love story of gang warfare and racial tension that still has meaning today. Jamie Bernstein Thomas, daughter of Leonard Bernstein, will provide a special pre-curtain talk on Saturday, October 27 at 12:30 p.m. in the Boston Conservatory's Seully Hall, 8 The Fenway, Boston. She will share "the ultimate insider's view" and discuss the original production process, history and modern-day relevance of “West Side Story,” which has been part of her life since age five, and which she describes as the "fourth sibling" in the Bernstein family. "I love seeing ‘West Side Story’ performed by young artists, the way it was intended. I know my father would be gratified to see this continuation of his work." In her talk, Bernstein Thomas will also share letters exchanged by her parents during the creation process and details about the rejections “West Side Story” originally received from almost every producer in New York. Bernstein Thomas's connection to The Boston Conservatory comes from her father's working relationship with Conservatory President Richard Ortner. The two men worked together at Tanglewood from 1974 up until Bernstein's death in 1990. Following Bernstein's death, Ortner arranged for musicians from around the globe to perform at the public funeral, held at St. John the Divine and attended by approximately 10,000 people. The Boston Conservatory's production will be directed by Neil Donohoe, Director of the Theater Division, and native of the Merrimack Valley (Lowell), as was Bernstein, who was born in Lawrence. Donohoe promises a dark and gritty tragic tale. Musical direction is by Bill Casey and will be conducted by Reuben Reynolds III. Reconstruction of the original Jerome Robbins choreography is by Stephen Reed and Michelle Chassé. John Bamberry and Ashleigh Davidson (daughter of television personality John Davidson) star as Tony and Maria. Enjoy! |
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BLO Gala guest artist soprano Kimwana Doner, center, with Gala chair Patricia Collins, left, and BLO general director Janice Mancini Del Sesto, right. (Photo by Roger Farrington)