Western New York is known for its large and diverse lineup of live performances, and the list includes more than just musical concerts and theater. The area is also home to Buffalo Opera Unlimited (BOU), a company dedicated to producing professional opera and musical theater. Now in its 38th year, BOU is known for its ambitious staging, its powerful and emotive performers and its ability to make opera more accessible for all audiences.
BOU next brings Puccini’s “La Bohème” to life at Buffalo State University’s Rockwell Performing Arts Center, with performances scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 3.
BOU Artistic Director Matt Marco, also a clinical assistant professor in the University at Buffalo Department of Theatre and Dance, says the company has been rehearsing and preparing Puccini’s score for months.
People are also reading…
“‘La Bohème’ is one of the classics; there is a reason that so many people love it,” he says. “This is beautiful, tuneful music that you probably have heard somewhere on the radio. Even if you have never been to an opera before, this is a great title for introducing new opera goers to the art form.”
While many local music fans have watched opera simulcasts in area cinemas or have seen opera sequences in various films (including “The Godfather Part III” and “Amadeus”), BOU officials say there is nothing like the live experience. The vocal power of the company’s performers – almost entirely Western New Yorkers of all ages – is a notable reason.
“The biggest difference between opera and musical theater and other art forms is that nothing is amplified in opera,” Marco says. “We do not use microphones; we are purely acoustic. Hearing it live, it’s something that an audio recording cannot capture.”
Marco says work on “La Bohème” began in September, starting with the principals and then the chorus.
“Now, we are running everything in succession and making sure everything works together, and before we know it we will be on stage,” he says.
BOU Development/Marketing Director Marc Honan says that beyond staging and rehearsing, fundraising is a key element in keeping the company healthy.
“Our productions are so professionally done, they are first-class all the way,” Honan says. “Ticket sales alone just are not enough to cover all of the expenses that go into creating these amazing shows. So, our board has been really dedicated to fundraising and creating those opportunities for Western New Yorkers. We have also been fortunate to be the recipient of a significant number of local and state grants that support the arts.”
And, of course, attending a BOU performance is another way to show support for this unique organization.
“If it sounds interesting to you, ‘La Bohème’ is a great one to take a chance on,” Marco says. “Come out, and see if you enjoy it. We think you will, and we hope to see you back in the future.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit BuffaloOperaUnlimited.org.
The live opera experience
If you’ve never attended an opera performance before, Marco breaks down what to expect:
Music that stands the test of time: “There is a reason so many people love ‘La Bohème.’ It is beautiful, tuneful music that you have probably heard somewhere on the radio.”
Watch in comfort: “The evening is about two and a half hours, so not much longer than your average feature length movie. And we have an intermission in the middle so people can stretch their legs.”
Easy-to-follow staging: “We project the translations above the stage. So, you do not have to be able to speak Italian. We put a lot of effort into the staging to make what’s happening physically on stage tell the story, too.”
A story that inspires: “’La Bohème’ was the inspiration for the musical ‘Rent.’ If you have seen ‘Rent,’ you will pick up on the story.”