Puccini’s La bohème

April 1, 2024   (Milwaukee)– The Florentine Opera’s is proud to present a captivating production of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, La bohème, set against the backdrop of Milwaukee’s vibrant Bronzeville neighborhood in its heyday during the 1940s. This highly anticipated performance promises to transport audiences into the heart of a bygone era, celebrating both the rich cultural heritage of Milwaukee and the enduring allure of one of opera’s most beloved works. Featuring an all-Black cast in the leading roles  and  spearheading stage direction.  This artistic choice not only pays homage to the history of Milwaukee’s arts renaissance, but also underscores the universal themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice that resonate across cultures and generations. Conducted by The Florentine Opera’s Music Director, Francesco Milioto, and stage directed by Nadja Simmonds, La bohème takes place on April 19 and 21  in Uihlein Hall  at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Friday showtime is 7:30pm and Sunday showtime is 2:30pm. The performance is 2 hours and 35 minutes long with one 20-minute intermission. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

“Milwaukee’s Bronzeville district in the 1940s was a melting pot of creativity and resilience with impact on the national music scene, and it serves as the perfect setting to reimagine Puccini’s masterpiece,” shares Maggey Oplinger, General Director and CEO of the Florentine Opera. “Picturing Bronzeville royalty like Mattiebelle Woods and Minette “Satin Doll” Wilson connecting with Duke Ellington and other great performers thrills me. Milwaukee has such a deep history. We’re thrilled that our 90th season includes this homage to our city, and can’t wait to share it with our audience!”

Playing beloved poet Rodolfo, tenor Chaz’men Williams-Ali, hailing from St. Louis, began his operatic journey at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School before honing his craft at the University of Iowa School of Music. With accolades including a Grand Prize win at NATS, he has graced prestigious stages, including the Metropolitan Opera and Kennedy Center. Chaz’men and his family will call Milwaukee “home” following this performance.

Mimi, played by renowned soprano Michelle Johnson, praised for her extraordinary vocal talent and magnetic stage presence, is set to dazzle audiences with her Florentine Opera debut. Johnson’s illustrious career includes acclaimed performances at prestigious opera houses and concert halls worldwide, solidifying her reputation as one of today’s most captivating operatic sensations.

Community engagement and involvement:

7 talented local Milwaukeeans, with varying musical and stage experience,  join Florentine Opera’s chorus in La bohème as a part of our pilot Chorus Pipeline Project. Trained in opera techniques and Italian pronunciation, they transition to paid choristers, setting a precedent for future collaborations between the opera and local talent, with the opportunity to join the professional chorus for future performances.

St. Marcus Schools and Pathways High School, participants of Schools on Stage, play integral roles in the chorus and production. Their involvement underscores the opera’s commitment to engaging with local schools and fostering community collaboration in the arts.

Experience the captivating stage artistry of 2019 Nohl Fellowship recipient Ras ‘Ammar Nsoroma. With guidance from Bronzeville expert and dramaturg Sheri Williams Pannell, delve into the rich history of this resurgent cultural enclave and the inspiring stories of its visionary creators and residents. The production will also feature art by student Iman Fatmi from Rufus King high school.

Looking to learn more about La bohème, the production process, and Bronzeville? Versed will unravel the artistry and history behind the curtains of our upcoming production set in Milwaukee’s 1940s Bronzeville.

Meet Stage Director Nadja Simmonds on April 2nd at our Lueders Opera Center and dive deep into the creative intricacies that make this rendition feel like home.

Then, on April 10th at HoneyBee Sage, discover the rich history of Milwaukee’s Bronzeville neighborhood with Genyne Edwards, Co-Founder of P3 Development Group, and Ray Hill, Executive Director of the Historic King Drive BID.

Tickets for La bohème are now available and can be purchased through www.florentineopera.org, emailing  tickets@florentineopera.org, or calling 414.291.5700 ext. 224. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the magic of Puccini’s masterpiece brought to life in a setting that honors both the past and the present of Milwaukee’s cultural heritage.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.