Opera company to present a new adaptation of Puccini’s Masterpiece La Bohéme
Vegas City Opera, Vegas’ premier contemporary opera company, unleashes the undead on Vegas this November with La BoDEAD, a retelling of Giacomo Puccini’s beloved opera La Bohéme. As an “Artist in Resident” company with The City of Las Vegas, the show will be presented at Charleston Heights Art Center on Nov. 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 2021. The opera will be led by Maestro Dennis Doubin with a 17-piece orchestra and sung in a combination of English and Italian with supertitles.
“Vegas City Opera has a long history of violating the genre of opera respectfully. VCO has been searching for the right way to contemporize this opera classic since the company’s inception 11 years ago,” states Artistic Director for the company, Skip Galla Katipunan. “With the utmost respect as opera lovers ourselves, our creative team has infused this outdated story with a new contemporary theme that is reflective of the struggles we faced during the pandemic with a touch of cheeky humor and science fiction. We waited until we got it right, and I know the audience will agree that it was worth the wait!”
The opera will feature local and regional operatic talent, an orchestra of 17 members, and the first appearance of the recently launched Vegas City Children’s Chorus.
Henderson resident Maestro Dennis Doubin, who conducts opera at A-level houses across America, reflected on his musical upbringing. “I began my musical journey in Moscow, Russia at the Moscow Boys Chorus and Choral Academy, and have always wanted to inspire children with the gift of music in the same way. With my position as Music Director at Vegas City Opera, I knew it was time to create a program of musical inspiration here in the valley and am excited to develop the next generation of Vegas voices with VCO.”
An enthusiastic Karol Aviles, Assistant Stage Manager, is just beginning her career. “I have been a performer all of my life, but in high school, I was exposed to opera and attended opera camp. I loved opera, but it is competitive and became interested in the production side.”
Karol believes the opera community in Southern Nevada is very close, and members were very supportive when she decided to learn about production. “Everyone is so encouraging, especially being my first production position in opera. It is so exciting, and I am learning so much.”
She encourages others to attend this opera, with most of the production sung in English. “Many people understand opera with preconceived notions, especially the language barrier. I appreciate good music which transcends all languages. Give it a chance. I am glad I did.”
La BoDEAD by Vegas City Opera will perform at the Charleston Heights Art Center, 800 Brush St. at 7: 30 p.m. on Nov. 12, 13, 19, 20, at 7:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by clicking here.
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