Festival Theatre, Malvern – 7th May 2023
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
Ellen Kent Productions again regales us with another astonishing performance of a classic opera; Puccini’s La Boheme. First performed in 1896 but set in the bohemian quarter of 1830’s Paris, it’s the story of four struggling artists (bohemians) sharing a flat when, one Christmas eve, their neighbour Mimi, a penniless seamstress, comes around to ask for a match as her candle has gone out. Rodolfo (and Mimi) instantly fall in love and sing their first gorgeous duet “Oh Lovely Girl“. Unfortunately, Mimi is desperately ill… well, it is Italian Opera after all.
Mimi (played by the exceptional Korean Soprano Elena Dee) was ethereal, sublime and impressively powerful in a natural, understated, way. Her voice is pure joy and her acting genuinely affecting. A glorious characterisation! Her leading man, Sorin Lupu, was a forceful presence whose singing and acting was equally thrilling, giving us a most enjoyable Rodolfo. Together they made an extremely likeable (and believable) couple. Their first meeting also gives us (arguably) one of the Operas highlights, the duet ‘O Lovely Maid In The Moonlight’ where both weaved the aria’s melodies together to romantically charming effect.
Musetta (the magnificent Olga Perrier) was flirty and commanding, giving us the full range of her characters quirky nature. “Musetta’s Waltz“ (“When I go along“) sung to make Marcello (her ex-lover) jealous was wonderful but for me her highlight was her performance during the final act, when she sings of her friend Mimi dying. Indeed, that final act, is the emotional high point of the piece and each singer shone. Touching, from all concerned, especially Colline (Valeriu Cojocaru) saying goodbye to his coat (in an obvious metaphor).
A desperately sad opera, tragic doesn’t begin to cover it! Poor Mimi – I mean, who would leave a person who they purported to love when that person was desperately ill? But, that’s drama for you (rather than real life). But it is also full of warmth, humour (the Bohemian friends dance routines for instance) and love; the lasting kind that remains in the heart after the world has gotten in the way and hindsight later helps us recognise our soul mate. Although in the end, Mimi is rather fortunate as there is kindness as she passes away, dying in the arms of the man she loves, surrounded by friends, after receiving a touching present. Who amongst us could hope for more?
The Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre orchestra played beautifully, conveying all the power and emotion of the tale. So perfectly balanced were they that I had to remind myself they were there – and I genuinely mention that as a compliment as they were perfection. An exceptional production, fantastically paced, a faithful reading of an exciting score full of exquisite music – a triumph from tonight’s conductor Nicolae Dohotaru. As in recent visits to Malvern Theatres, we all gave an emotional standing ovation at the end for the Ukrainian national anthem. How sad that war is still raging!
I cannot wait for their next visit and I urge you all to see them too, at your earliest (and every possible) opportunity. Bravissimo!