[Met Performance] CID:140070



La Boh?me
Metropolitan Opera House, Sat, December 1, 1945

Debut : Dorothy Kirsten




La Boh?me (385)
Giacomo Puccini | Luigi Illica/Giuseppe Giacosa
Mim?
Dorothy Kirsten [Debut]

Rodolfo
Jan Peerce

Musetta
Frances Greer

Marcello
Martial Singher

Schaunard
George Cehanovsky

Colline
Norman Cordon

Alcindoro/Benoit
Salvatore Baccaloni

Parpignol
Lodovico Oliviero

Sergeant
John Baker


Conductor
Cesare Sodero


Director
D?sir? Defr?re

Costume Designer
Blaschke & Cie





La Boh?me received eleven performances this season.

Review 1:

Review signed M in Musical America

A smoothly functioning, technically commendable performance of "La Boh?me" was given on December 1, when Dorothy Kirsten made her Metropolitan debut as Mimi and Martial Singher gave his first performance with the company as Marcello.

From the first curtain to the last the entire production was neat and well ordered. But for all the technical polish the performers and production boasted, the opera smacked of routine. It lacked the warmth and the free flowing improvisational quality, so necessary for the right interpretation of this Puccini work.

Miss Kirsten presented a finely drawn characterization, both vocally and dramatically, although it was not imbued with the intimate charm she has brought to the role previously. "Debut nerves" took no toll of the soprano's vocal powers, which were as fresh and true as ever. Possibly the importance of the event was responsible for the set, rather deliberate way in which she approached her part.

Mr. Singher brought great richness of tone to the various ensembles in which he sang. His Marcello is indeed a welcome addition to the cast of the opera. His duet with Jan Peerce, the Rodolfo, was particularly memorable. Mr. Peerce was in fine voice, even if his acting left a little more to be desired than usual.

The Musetta of Frances Greer was saucy and charming. Again she made the most of her lovely small voice. A clutter of too much stage business was distracting during her Waltz Song.

Other members of the cast included George Cehanovsky as Schaunard, Salvatore Baccaloni as both Benoit and Alcindoro. Norman Cordon as Colline, Ludovico Oliviero as Parpignol, and John Baker as the sergeant. Although Cesare Sodero brought out all the rich texture of the orchestral score, he also succeeded in covering up the singers in several places.

The audience was effusive with applause and recalled the singers many times after each act. Miss Kirsten was given a particularly gratifying ovation.

Grace Moore congratulates her proteg?e, Dorothy Kirsten, at her debut. Photograph by Bruce Gilbert.



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