A rare chance to see a full-scale opera awaits at the Arcada Theatre.
Teatro Lirico D’Europa will be perform Giacomo Puccini’s “La Boheme” at 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. Tickets range from $29-69, with children 15 and under admitted free.
“It’s a good opportunity for a suburban audience to see almost the same scale as Chicago in a touring production,” said Simon Kyung Lee, who portrays Rodolfo.
The opera tells the story of a group of bohemians living in 1840s Paris. Among those is the poet Rodolfo, who shares an apartment with other artists. When he meets seamstress Mimi, who lives upstairs, they fall in love but face tragic circumstances.
“For classical lovers it is one of the most popular operas,” Lee said. “Some people say it’s in the top five most popular operas.”
The two-hour opera will be performed in Italian, with English subtitles provided.
“Everybody can look at the English and they will understand the entire story,” Lee said.
The production features a full orchestra, very elaborate costumes and sets.
“It is opera, but it’s much like a very traditional American musical,” Lee said. “I think it will be wonderful to watch.”
About 70 people tour with the company, which is traveling the country for six and half weeks performing “La Boheme” and “Carmen.”
Teatro Lirico D’Europa has performed more than 4,000 times around the world and features a diverse cast including Stanislava Ivanova from Bulgaria, Joanna Rusala from Poland and as well as Lee. Originally from South Korea, Lee now lives in Woodridge.
This is the first time the company is performing in the Chicago area, which means Lee’s friends will be able to see him on stage.
“This is going to be the first time,” Lee said. “I’m very excited.”
A freelance opera singer, Lee also teaches at Chamber Opera of Chicago. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and with area symphonies. He is also a member of The Other Three Tenors.
“I’m not famous, but I made a career,” he said.
This production of “La Boheme” marks his fourth time portraying Rodolfo. He previously played the role in Singapore Lyric Opera, Opera New Hampshire and Palm Desert Opera. Although he has performed it many times, each experience is different, he said.
“When you do it over and over again, you find more depth,” Lee said. “Every time I perform I find something new.”
In each production, the opera singer playing Mimi is different, so the chemistry is different, he said.
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“I’ve performed the opera hundreds of times, but still I find it very fresh,” Lee said.
Lee said the company is “very delighted” to be performing at the Arcada, especially since many people in the suburbs don’t often get the chance to see full-scale opera.
“Some people don’t like to go all the way downtown,” Lee said. “I was so happy that the theater is willing to do this.”
“La Boheme”
When: Feb. 22
Where: The Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles
Tickets: $29-$69, children 15 and under are free
Information: 630-962-7000 or oshows.com