Arturo Chacon-Cruz and Ailyn Perez Lead Florida Grand Opera's LA BOHEME, Now thru 12/8

Florida Grand Opera's (FGO) 72nd season is marked by the return of company favorites. The company's season opener is none other than Puccini's internationally beloved La bohème, taking place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County from tonight, November 17, 2012 to December 2, 2012 and at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale on December 6, 2012 and December 8, 2012. Leading the cast are two outstanding Hispanic voices: Mexican tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz and Mexican-American soprano Ailyn Pérez.

Last produced by FGO in 2008, Puccini's La bohème is a standard in the Italian repertoire and one of the most frequently performed operas world-wide, known not only for its glorious arias and intoxicating melodies but for its poignant tale of friendship and doomed love. The inspiration for the widely popular musical Rent, the opera follows a group of young bohemians living in Paris in the 1830s, as a love story develops between the impoverished poet, Rodolfo, and the lovely, yet sickly, seamstress, Mimì.

In the role of Mimì, FGO is proud to welcome the return of bewitching Mexican-American soprano, Ailyn Pérez, who recently became the first Hispanic woman to win the coveted Richard Tucker Award; known in the industry as the "Heismann Trophy of opera." A noted talent, she has been featured in Vanity Fair magazine as well as on the cover of Opera News magazine, identified as being among the next wave of great opera singers.

Mexican tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz returns to the FGO stage to sing Rodolfo, a role he has made his signature and performed with Washington National Opera, LA Opera, Berlin State Opera, and other top companies. Called "an explosive tenor" by La Nueva España, he last sang the role of Rodolfo with Opera Royal de Wallonie in Belgium in 2010.

Following a highly successful performance as the title role in FGO's most recent Rigoletto, Mark Walters, the baritone Opera News calls "a force to be reckoned with," returns as Marcello. He has just finished a run as Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoorwith Arizona Opera, where his "sturdy and strong baritone voice" shone through, according to Concerto.net.

Returning to South Florida immediately following a successful run in FGO's Young Artist Studio is Brittany Ann Reneé Robinson. The young soprano brings what South Florida Classical Review calls a "lush voice" to the role of Musetta.

The production is conducted by FGO Music Director Ramon Tebar. Director David Gately, who is much in demand, having staged works for almost 60 opera companies and festivals, will once again bring his vivid storytelling to FGO.

This production of La bohème, created by Lyric Opera of Kansas City in 2008, is made possible by a generous donation from Randy Gage. Fort Lauderdale performances are sponsored by Rose Miniaci.

A glamorous themed evening will follow the opening night performance of Puccini's La bohème tonight, November 17, 2012, featuring Ailyn Pérez and Arturo Chacón-Cruz, along with the rest of the cast.

Step into the world of La bohème as the Lynn Wolfson Stage is transformed into Café Momus, a well-known gathering place of bohemian life for artists and writers in 19th century Paris. Located in the famed Latin Quarter, the Café is the romantic setting for Act II of Puccini's enduring musical masterpiece and the location of this one-of-a-kind dinner-dance.

Gala guests will also enjoy an elegant pre-performance VIP cocktail reception and silent auction as well as the opportunity to mingle with the opera's cast, including the stars of the evening.

Gala reservations for the dinner-dance on the Lynn Wolfson Stage - inclusive of pre and post opera receptions, silent auction, and intermission - begin at $750 per person. Table reservations range from $7,500 to $100,000. Reservations are subject to availability. Tickets to the gala night performance of La bohème only, range in price from $21 to $250.