Opera students prepare for opening of Italian production 'La Boheme'

In preparation for NEIU's first Italian language production by Giacomo Puccini's "La Bohème", ensemble members have been practicing their singing and acting since the start of the spring semester for the upcoming shows between April 14-17.

Joining the students and community listeners are members from the Chicago Children's Chorus and the Albany Park Neighborhood Choir, increasing the number of cast members to about 100 people. The production is directed by full-time Professor Sasha Gerritson and composed by Michael Melton, the Director of Choral Activities.

Gerritson recently directed the latest productions, Into the Woods and Susannah, but is thrilled to be in charge of the largest show she has ever directed at NEIU. "Everything's going great-this is a huge project, so there's a giant team effort from the cast and the people behind the show's production," said Gerritson. "I'm so grateful towards the 10 people from the school faculty that have pitched in to help with the orchestra and prepare the music; everyone's so supportive."

Saturday's showing of "La Bohème" is already sold out, since advertisement has reached people in more ways than one.

"There have been announcements on NEIUport and flyers, and I've contacted people from high schools, like Lane Tech, and at our senior center partnerships," said Gerritson. "We try to include children and seniors in our events because we want to give back to the community. I very strongly feel that if we don't reach out and introduce opera and classical music to the next generation, it'll go unnoticed."

With the help of a dialect coach from Italy, chorus members have practiced pronunciation for the music once a week, while the cast members playing lead parts have practiced three times a week. Since Act II requires the entire ensemble on-stage, chorus singers joined the leads in FA 144 one Wednesday to practice together. Props like tables, glasses, baskets and colorful flowers and candy were used during the reenactment of the scene. Gerritson took notes to give the singers feedback while Melton conducted the ensemble.

Assistant Director David Mitchell, a junior playing the role of The Sergeant, ran the practice for the chorus, while Gerritson worked with the leads.

"The rehearsals have been going very well-in any production, you're bound to encounter challenges and difficulties," said Mitchell, "but the good thing about that is knowing that you're learning and that you'll [walk] away stronger as a performer."

Mitchell has worked with Gerritson before and considers her a mentor.

"Since we met a year ago, Sasha has been very supportive," he said. "I don't have a terribly strong classical music background, and she has always reassured me and been a real asset to my musical education."

Lead vocalist Theresa Egan plays the part of Musetta and was excited to be a part of the opera.

"Musetta is a charismatic and passionate character that has challenged me as a singer and performer," said the music graduate. "Puccini's score is so beautifully written that I could not pass up the opportunity to be involved."

Egan has learned much about on-stage presence from being in "La Bohème."

"This show has challenged me as a performer and a musician," said Egan. "The music is difficult and the character involved, but it has been a tremendously rewarding experience and I am grateful for the opportunity to perform such a famous role with such a talented cast and crew, and to create such beautiful art with them."

Aldo Perrelli, a junior and music major studying voice, plays Rodolfo, a role he has wanted to play for years.

"The very first recording of an opera I ever owned was 'La Bohème'-it's my favorite opera," said Perrelli. "Rodolfo used to be my dream role, even back when I was a baritone. There is so much to consider when learning a role; you must first learn the music perfectly [because] one mistake during performance can throw off the whole cast!"

Although their roles may be completely different, the students love the benefits of performing on-stage.

"Performing is an addiction," said Egan. "There is nothing that quite compares to the rush that you experience every time you hear the downbeat of the orchestra and see the lights go up on the stage."

"I love the new friendships that are formed in the process," said Perrelli. "I also love the fact that, as an actor/singer, you get to play someone that is so different from you that you can just let loose! I would like to play a villain someday."

Gerritson hopes that the last weeks of practice for the actors are a final push to excel on opening night.

"I just want everyone to keep working hard like they are and it'll all come together in the end," she said.

The showing of "La Bohème" will begin on April 14 until the 17 in the Auditorium. Tickets are available for $10 at the Box Office and free for NEIU students, faculty and staff with an ID, but it is strongly recommended to purchase one beforehand.