Wichita—Romance is in the air when Wichita Grand Opera spends April in Paris.  Wichita Grand Opera presents one of the most adored operas, Puccini’s La Boheme on Saturday, April 2, 2005 and Sunday, April 3, 2005 at Century II Concert Hall.  The curtain opens on Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm.  English surtitles will be projected above the stage.

This popular love story takes place in the Latin quarter of Paris in 1830.  The curtain opens on the poor attic apartment of Rodolfo and Marcello.  It’s Christmas Eve and their friends Colline and Schaunard arrive and invite them to the Café Momus.  Rodolfo stays behind to finish some work when Mimi, knocks on the door and asks for a light.  It is love at sight!  They share their simple life stories and then join the others at the Café where much merry-making is in progress.  Several months later, Mimi is brought to the garret to be reunited with Rodolfo but she succumbs to her ill health and dies in Rodolfo’s arms as he calls out her name.

Once again, Wichita Grand Opera brings a sparkling international cast to Wichita.  American diva Anna Moffo will apply her expertise as Stage Director.  Wichita’s sweetheart, Italian diva Annalisa Raspagliosi, will sing the opening night performance as Mimi.  Raspagliosi performed with Wichita Grand Opera in La Traviata in 2004 and alongside Pavarotti in Wichita Grand Opera’s Inaugural Concert in 2002.  Rising Kansas opera star Mary Ellen Swords will portray the role of Mimi on Sunday.  The role of Rodolfo is sung by Kiev Opera star Russian tenor Evgeny Akimov.  Wichita’s most celebrated young baritone, Chet Carpenter, debuts in the role of Marcello.  Benjamin Czarnota performs the role of Schaunard.  Wichita Grand Opera Resident Artist Evereich Sutter performs the role of Colline.  Returning on the stage of Wichita Grand Opera is Earl Levine as Benoit.  Levine returns after his highly acclaimed performance of Koko in The Mikado. The role of Musetta will be performed by Gina Galati, member of Wichita Grand Opera’s Young Artist Program, and Lillian Sengpiehl who returns after her performance last year in Wichita Grand Opera’s Carmen as Micaela.  Peter Yoo, member of Wichita Grand Opera’s Resident Artist Program, makes his debut as Alcindoro.  Reginald Pittman returns to Wichita Grand Opera after his performance last season in Carmen as Don Jose.  Pittman sings the role of Parpignol in La Boheme.

The Wichita Grand Opera orchestra is led by dynamo Maestro Martin Mazik.  Mazik returns to Wichita Grand Opera after his triumphant debut this season in Don Giovanni.  Lighting Design is by Gregory Bloxham.  Set Design is by Max Rothlisberger.

Tickets are $30, $50, and $80.  Senior, students and military receive a 10 percent discount with identification.  Group rates are available.   WGO Box Office located at Century II, 225 W. Douglas, on the northwest corner, facing the Kennedy Plaza on Douglas, behind the west fountain.  Box Office Phone is 316.262.8054.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.selectaseat.com.  There are Dillons Store ticket outlets in Wichita, Andover, Derby, Newton, El Dorado, and Hutchison.  For further information call 316.683.3444.

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