HOT rolls out the red carpet to open the 2016-17 HOT Opera Season with Puccini’s La Bohème

Honolulu, Hawaii – Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) opens the 2016-17 Opera Season with one of opera’s greatest hits, Puccini’s La Bohème, at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Oct. 14, 16, & 18. Join HOT for a special red carpet Opening Night with pre-show entertainment as it kicks off the season, Opera with Passion.

La Bohème, one of the most romantic love stories ever to grace the operatic stage, is arguably Puccini’s most popular work, alongside his iconic Madama Butterfly. Set in Paris during the start of 1830s, La Bohème tells the story of four young artists living in a garret and pursuing an idealistic “bohemian” lifestyle. When Rudolfo the poet meets Mimi they fall in love, but the poverty of their lifestyle affects her health and after a whirlwind romance she tragically dies. From the romance of their first meeting in Act One, to the joyous celebration of Café Momus on Christmas Eve with the delightful Musetta, the opera moves to the soulful quartet of Act Three, which leads to the tragedy of Act Four. Throughout the opera we hear some of Puccini’s best-loved melodies.

Soprano Elizabeth Caballero, who starred as Nedda in Pagliacci (2014), returns to HOT to perform as Mimi. Ms. Caballero, who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, received great reviews for her performance of this role at Seattle Opera, where she was noted for her ‘glorious tone’ (The Seattle Times) and ‘literally one of the finest voices’ (The Stranger).

Tenor Mackenzie Whitney makes his HOT debut as Rodolfo, a role that ‘suits him well both vocally and dramatically’ (Philly.com). The role of Marcello will be sung by Wes Mason, who floored audiences as the voice behind the catfish scandal of Siren Song (2015). Nathan Stark (Colline) and Rachelle Durkin (Musetta) return from last season, where they starred in HOT’s acclaimed new production last season and Hawaii Debut of Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Leading the production in their HOT debuts: Conductor Karen Keltner and Stage Director Chuck Hudson.

There will be three performances of La Bohème and a number of special experiences surrounding each:

Opening Night, Oct. 14, 2016, 8:00pm.

See and be seen on the Red Carpet as the HOT paparazzi shoot the pre-show experience with entertainment.

Sunday Matinee, Oct. 16, 2016, 4:00pm.

Join HOT for a pre-show lectures at 3:00pm & 3:30pm to learn more about the history of the production.

Closing Night, Oct. 18, 2016, 7:00pm, curtain.

Young professionals, attend the HOT-est pau-hana yet, HOT Tuesday. Pre-party at the Honolulu Club (5:30pm) followed by a night at the opera. Tickets at HOTTUESDAY.EVENTBRITE.COM.

Single Ticket prices range from $29 – $130 (Blaisdell Concert Hall productions). To purchase Single Tickets online visit Tickets.HawaiiOpera.org or call the HOT Box Office at (808) 596-7858. New Subscriber Specials and Single Ticket Discounts (Group, Military, & Student) are available through the HOT Box Office.

Learn more about the production and HOT online at HawaiiOpera.org.

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Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), formerly a division of the Honolulu Symphony Society and incorporated in 1980, has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii by presenting opera performances of the highest standards, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Through four productions annually in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, HOT offers opera to almost 20,000 residents and visitors each season thereby increasing the public’s awareness and exposure to opera as a multi-media art form.

HOT’s educational programs for youth serve as both catalyst and active participant in the artistic education of Hawaii’s youth. Opera for Everyone provides a special performance of each opera for a large and enthusiastic audience of students. Opera Express takes operas specially adapted operas, into elementary and middle schools with special tours to all neighbor islands. HOT’s Opera Residency program takes our education and production staff members into an elementary school to work with students and teachers to compose an opera production centered around curriculum components. Adult education is offered with Opera Highlights, a non-credit course at the University of Hawaii; Opera Previews, at the Honolulu Academy of Arts; pre-performance Lanai Lectures on the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall lanai; and other presentations at stores or shopping centers.

Led by Artistic Director, Henry Akina, and General Director Simon Crookall, HOT employs local musicians. Auditions are held, generally in NY, to cast principal roles from mainland, European, Asian and local singers. The Opera Chorus is a local volunteer organization.

Media Contacts

Jason Walter, Marketing Director | 808-596-7372 | j_walter@hawaiiopera.org

Allison Kronberg, Marketing Assistant | 808-596-7372 | a_kronberg@hawaiiopera.org