Met Opera Live's LA BOHEME to be Broadcast at THT, 4/5

It's the most-performed opera in the history of the Metropolitan Opera, and with good reason. Famous melodies and a heart-breaking story have made it perhaps the most popular opera of all time.

Puccini's La Bohème will be shown "Live in HD" on Saturday, April 5 at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater.

The famous opera will be seen in an equally famous production, the massive and colorful version created by Franco Zeffirelli for the Met. "This is grand opera in every way," says THT executive director Douglas Anderson. "In Act Two Zeffirelli manages to put several Parisian streets on stage at several levels, along with perhaps 250 performers, and he keeps the action swirling and fun. This act alone is worth the price of admission."

For Acts I and IV Zeffirelli recreates a realistic expanse of Parisian rooftops, an image that always gets applause from Met audiences.

Singing Mimi will be Anita Haring, with Vittorio Grigio as Rudolfo. Maestro Stefano Renzani will be in the pit.

"I think that if someone has a friend they've wanted to introduce to opera, this would be the perfect place to start. For so many people, La Bohème is what got them hooked on opera."

La Bohème will be shown Live in HD on Saturday, April 5, at 1 pm. Tickets are $24/$10 students, and can be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sat, Noon-5 pm) and at the door.