theatre
by scott leonard
FULLY COMMITTED Cygnet Theatre in San Diego presents David LA BOHÈME
San Diego Opera will present drive-in performances of La Bohème in the Pechanga Arena San Diego parking lot starting Saturday, October 24. Additional performances are Tuesday, October 27, and Friday, October 30 and Sunday, November 1. This will mark the first performances of live opera in the community since February and one of the first professionally produced staged, live opera performances in the nation since COVID-19 led to cancellations and postponements around the world. These performances will also herald the return of the San Diego Symphony performing live since cancelling its current season. Because of COVID-19, San Diego Opera has closely monitored the recommendations of public health and government officials, and realized that a traditional season in a traditional theatre is impossible right now. Because of this, the company developed this alternative plan after learning about other safe and successful drive-in live performances in Europe and the United States. __Patrons will remain in their cars for the duration of the performance. Socially distanced protocols will be enforced should a patron need to briefly leave their vehicle. Patrons will listen to the opera through their car stereo, which will be broadcast via an FM transmitter. Video of the singers on stage will be broadcast on screens. Puccini’s beloved opera will cut down to bring the opera close to 90 minutes long. “Since the onset of COVID-19, we’ve been working diligently to find ways to bring live perfor-
mances to San Diego while preserving the health and safety of our audiences, employees and audiences,” said David Bennett, San Diego Opera general director. “After attending Mainly Mozart’s successful drive-in concerts this summer, I knew this drive-in format would work well for us and al- low our audiences to enjoy live performances and a communal experience in a safe environment.” La Bohème tells the story of young friends in Paris and the poet Rodolfo’s love affair with the sick and ailing seamstress Mimì. Considered by many to be the “perfect” first-time opera, it is one of the most popular operas produced. The musical Rent is based on the opera. Staging La Bohème in a socially distanced world comes with some challenges as artists require 120 square feet of space around them, and no one can sing within 15 feet of each other. To tackle these challenges, director Keturah Stickann has placed the action in Rodolfo’s study sometime after the death of Mimì, which occurs at the end of the opera. As the poet writes his “Bohemian Stories,” his memories of the events of the opera come to life around him, enabling singers to share the stage while keeping one another safe. La Bohème features the return of soprano Angel Blue in the role of Mimì, which she has sung
at the world’s biggest stages including the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera and English National Opera. She is joined by tenor Joshua Guerrero as Rodolfo in his main stage San Diego Opera
debut.sdopera.org
McBean in his hilarious, award-winning, one-man tour-de-force. McBean plays the out-of-work actor Sam, who single-handedly mans the reservation desk for Manhattan’s No. 1 restaurant AND the 40 other characters who will stop at nothing in their zeal to land a prime reservation, or the right table. Streaming only Monday, October 12 through Sunday, October 18.
cygnettheatre.com
SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS!
Join Laguna Playhouse for a comedic romp
into the world of fantasy role-playing games. This high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and ‘90s pop culture is a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen has created this version specifically for online performances. This video on demand performance is available for viewing beginning Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11 and Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18.
lagunaplayhouse.com
GET HAPPY: ANGELA INGERSOLL CELEBRATES JUDY GARLAND In an Emmy Award-nominated performance,
Angela Ingersoll celebrates Judy Garland with virtuosic vocals, passionate storytelling and naturally winning humor. As seen on PBS, her two-hour concert features a powerful six-piece orchestra and classic songs including “Over the Rainbow,” “The Trolley Song,” “Get Happy” and “The Man That Got Away.” The event, produced by Chicago-based company Artists Lounge Live, features a talkback with online audience members immediately following the performance. Ticket proceeds for the Sunday, October 11show will provide crucial support to participating arts organizations struggling to survive.
sdrep.org
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ragemonthly.com October 2020
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