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The Athena Grand Opera Co., a joint venture between the University of Georgia and the Classic Center, will present two performances of Giacomo Puccini’s beloved opera La Bohéme, on Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. in the Classic Center Theatre.
Set in Paris around 1830, La Bohéme is a story of penniless artists and lost love; it is the original story of the popular Broadway show Rent. The opera will be sung in Italian with English supertitles.
Tenor Dallas Bono will sing the role of Rodolfo. Bono has performed with several opera companies, including those in St. Louis, Sarasota and Houston, as well as with Opera Colorado.
The role of Marcello will be performed by baritone and Georgia native Elem Eley. Familiar to Athens audiences from his appearance in last season’s Athena Grand Opera production of Die Fledermaus, Eley is regarded as an artist of great versatility by virtue of his distinguished performances with symphony orchestras, opera companies, and in recital across the United States and Europe.
Kendall Kookogey will sing the role of Mimi. A native of Pennsylvania, Kookogey recently completed her master’s degree in vocal performance at UGA. An accomplished recitalist, she has also performed in many operas, including Rosalinda in the Athena Grand Opera production of Die Fledermaus. Her international debut was in Salzburg, Austria, in the role of the countess in Marriage of Figaro.
The role of Musetta will be sung by Ellen Ritchey. Ritchey recently completed her D.M.A. degree at UGA. She has performed in Athens and Atlanta and was Pamina in the Athena Grand Opera production of The Magic Flute.
Allen Crowell, UGA’s director of choral activities, is chorus master. Accompanied by the UGA Symphony Orchestra, the Athena Grand Opera Chorus is comprised of the UGA Concert Choir, the Athens Master Chorale and the Georgia Children’s Chorus.
A behind-the-scenes peek at opera in general will be provided for area public school fifth and seventh graders on Friday morning at the Classic Center.
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