Grand opera on the way to Dunstable

Opera & Ballet International present the Ellen Kent production with international soloists, highly praised chorus and a full orchestra at the Grove Theatre on Monday, May 1, at 7.30pm.

The show is staged traditionally, with a set reflecting the Bohemian art of the period and including a brass band, snow effects and Musetta’s dog.

Widely regarded as Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de bohème. Set in Paris, the powerful and emotional work tells the tragic tale of a hopeless romance between the doomed, consumptive Mimi and penniless writer Rodolfo.

After falling in love instantly, Rodolfo later leaves Mimi due to her flirtatious behaviour, although he is wracked by guilt since their life together has probably worsened Mimi’s delicate constitution.

In true tragic opera fashion, the pair reunite briefly at the end before Mimi dies.

Producer Ellen Kent said: ‘‘I try to do opera that the audience can emotionally connect with, not just on a musical level but with the personal drama happening on the stage.”

La Bohème stars French soprano Olga Perrier, together with the international soprano Ecaterina Danu.

The opera includes many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They 
Call Me Mimi and Musetta’s Waltz.

Tickets are £30.50, £26.50 and £17.50.

Call 01582 60 20 80 or visit the Grove Theatre website at www.grovetheatre.co.uk to book or for more information.