By Front Row Reviewers Staff
La Bohème, the timeless tale of a love affair between a poor poet and seamstress, contains some of the most famous and recognizable opera arias in the world and was the inspiration of the musical Rent. Utah Valley University‘s Noorda Center for the Performing Arts is proud to collaborate with the Department of Music to produce this moving story with Puccini’s soaring score.
Running January 20, 22, and 24, this performance features world-famous opera superstar, Marina Costa-Jackson, Broadway director Matt August, UVU’s own Isaac Hurtado, and a stunning set from Arizona Opera in The Noorda Series production.
UVU students are rehearsing with the professional Noorda cast and will perform with them in smaller roles on January 20, 22, and 24. They will then step into the lead roles the following week in the School of Arts production of the opera that will take place from January 26-29.
It is extraordinary that the students will be able to interact with the professionals on a daily basis, see them work, and learn from them. They will be able to engage with them and ask them questions. They will observe their rehearsal and performance habits, and then they will be able to take everything they have learned and bring that to their own performances of the very same piece.
Interview with Isaac Hurtado:
1. What is your current role, and have you performed this role before? I play Rodolfo, the poet. I have performed the role three other times in Indiana, Idaho, and Utah.
2. How have you prepared for this role? I re-translated the whole opera since it had been a few years, worked regularly with my voice teacher, and followed a daily regimen to stay vocally healthy and in shape.
3. What other roles does this role remind you of in your professional experience? Stylistically it compares to other Puccini roles, but the character is more fun. Rodolfo is silly and playful with his buddies, creating shenanigans out of every mundane situation. He is also a sweet romantic, and his relationship with Mimì is a lovely expression of his humanity and weaknesses. The best thing about the role is that every moment he sings is just beautiful.
4. What should first-time audience members be listening for in this opera? This is the ideal first-time opera. It has everything from sublime music, to comedic sections and dramatic climaxes. The story is timeless. There are so many reasons this is still one of the most-performed operas of all time for well over 100 years.
5. What has been your favorite part of this production from rehearsal to performance? Working with the cast and students. Everyone is so talented and they are great humans. Collaborating on a piece like this is a real thrill.
6. What is/are your dream role(s)? Cavaradossi in Tosca, Des Grieux in Manon Lescaut, and the tenor roles in Verdi’s Un ballo in Mascher and Luisa Miller.
7. What have you found out about yourself as you’ve been rehearsing for/performing this role? That the role is much easier to sing this time around!
| If you have any questions, please call us at the Noorda Box Office (801-863-7529). We can’t wait to welcome you back! |
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