This new text is drawn from the original source material for the opera and stage directions, allowing the opera to remain true to its artistic and historic milieu. The Wanderer will give a spoken introduction to each act, helping the audience follow the reverse chronology of the story. The Wanderer, portrayed by George Shirley. In order to keep the narrative of the reverse staging cohesive, Sharon introduces a new role: We move backward, so our audience can move forward.” Instead, they’ll be left with a notion that the pain was worth the fleeting moments of joy. When the audience leaves the theater, they won’t be left with the But where does it start? As we move through the world of memory, we witness a resurrection, and a new love blooming. We know there’s a darkness to it, we watch the death and tragedy unfold. But the effect is profound: suddenly, La Bohème, this classic, archetypal opera, becomes a bit of a mystery. So a reverse chronology comes more easily than you might expect. “The music that begins Act I and Act IV is almost identical,” says Sharon, “and even in its normal chronology, La Bohème isn’t a connected linear narrative, but a collection of short episodic narratives. Also appearing is George Shirley as The Wanderer, a new character created specifically for this production. La Bohème will be conducted by Roberto Kalb and features a cast that includes Marlen Nahhas (Mimi), Matthew White (Rodolfo), Edward Parks (Marcello), Brandie Inez Sutton (Musetta), Benjamin Taylor (Schaunard), and Cory McGee (Colline). Presented as a co-production with Boston Lyric Opera and Spoleto Festival USA, this bold, unconventional take on Puccini’s opus is itself an experimental, nonconforming, and original piece of art. In this new arrangement, Sharon and Detroit Opera reappraise the ways in which audiences and artists can interact with repertoire, bringing fresh eyes and ears to a classic while extracting hope from tragedy, life from death, and love from loneliness. The production casts familiar elements in a new light, as Sharon and Detroit Opera stage the classic opera in reverse order from Act IV to Act I, with text and music otherwise unchanged. Wasserman Artistic Director Yuval Sharon’s unique new production of La Bohème, the first in-person opera performances in the venue in more than two years and the first under the new Detroit Opera name. Detroit Opera invites audiences back to the Detroit Opera House April 2, 6, and 10 for Gary L.

La boheme opera detroit