Since its birth in May of 2013, Marble City Opera has been at the cutting edge of Knoxville’s music performance scene. Their inaugural performance, The Face on the Barroom Floor, set the tone for what we have come to expect from an innovative company centered around the concept of chamber opera. Following works such as The Gift of the Magi and two world premieres of one-act operas by Larry Delinger comes their latest and boldest—La Femme Bohème, Puccini’s La Bohème with an all-female cast.
Whether the concept sounds intriguing, a bit naughty, musically delicious, or just enticingly experimental, La Femme Bohème is designed to “explore the ways in which women and relationships are viewed in society.” Musically, it has the potential to offer an entirely altered perspective on one of the most loved and familiar works in the opera repertoire.
Soprano and Marble City Opera Artistic Director Kathryn Frady will be singing the role of Musetta herself. Singing the lead role of Mimi will be Jenny Beauregard, the CEO of Sexi Soprano online magazine. Opposite Mimi, the role of Rodolfo is double cast over the two performances: Linda Barnett (Jan 24) and Chelsea Beatty (Jan 31). Beatty is the General Director of Boston Opera Collaborative. Barnett is a familiar voice for Knoxvillians and a Metropolitan Opera National Council Regional Semi-Finalist.
The remainder of the cast includes Sarah Klopfenstein (Marcello), Ellen Hinkle (Schaunard), Caitlin Bolden (Colline), and Julie Belanger Roy (Benoit/Alcindoro). The stage director is Vince Connor with the chamber orchestra conducted by Peter Leonard.
There are two performances on successive Saturday evenings: January 24th and January 31st, 7:30 p.m., at NV Nightclub, 125 E. Jackson Avenue in the Old City. Admission is $20 for adults, and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at knoxtix.com.
