lyric Opera “La Bohéme” at the NCH

lyric Opera “La Bohéme” at the NCH 

Saturday 19th, 7.30p.m
Monday 21st, 7.30p.m
Wednesday 23rd, 7.30p.m. 

I had a very enjoyable night out last Saturday at Lyric Opera’s production of La Bohéme at the National Concert Hal under the Direction of CAV. Vivian Coates.

Staging a production in the NCH does pose staging challenges for the Set Designer, in so far as it does not have the staging facilities associated with an Opera House or Theatre. In such circumstances, Lyric Opera’s director/designer CAV. Vivian Coates and Set Designer/Scenic Artist John O’ Donoghue acquitted themselves reasonably well in devising an appropriate setting to evoke a supportive visual ambiance and atmosphere to the production. While the scenic elements and objects enhanced the dramatic experience, they remained unobtrusive or distracting to the audience. The slow paced resetting of the dressing props and hand props by the choreographed and costumed stage crew during the interval was again quite poetic. Equally important to creating the appropriate visual ambiance and atmosphere is the Lighting Designer, Alastair Kerr’s contribution to colouring the dramatic mood and tone of the moments.  

There were mixed opinions from my friends on the costuming interpretation 

As I have commented on in the past; the NCH does not have an orchestra pit which necessitates
the setting of the orchestra at auditorium floor level between the audience and the stage apron. This can prove challenging for both the vocalists and the audience; for the vocalist in projecting over the sound of the orchestra and for the audience in receiving a balanced sound from both. Having said that, both the vocalists and the orchestra were of accord and sounded super.

I am looking forward to November to see what Lyric Productions can achieve in the Gaiety Theatre with their production of “AIDA”. November 14^th, 16^th and 17^th.

Lyric Opera at: http://www.lyricoperaproductions.com/home.php

Gaiety Theatre at: http://www.gaietytheatre.ie/index.php/whats-on-buy-tickets/calendar/aida-by-giuseppe-verdi/430

Patrick M for http://stagebrace.com/