Renee Unsworth, Totally St. Augustine — First Coast Opera, Inc. (FCO) will stage Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème, on New Year’s Eve weekend with two performances on December 30 and 31 in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada Street in downtown St. Augustine. The fully staged opera will include a cast of opera singers from throughout the United States, along with a live orchestra. Tickets are available at firstcoastopera.com
Experience this iconic opera while ringing in the New Year. Prepare to laugh, weep, and feel the full range of human emotions as Puccini’s lush and evocative music takes you on a journey of love and loss.
The Saturday, December 30 matinee performance will be preceded with a pre-show talk at 1 p.m., with the performance to begin at 2 p.m.
The Sunday, December 31 performance will be preceded will a pre-show talk at 6:30
p.m., followed by the performance at 7:30 p.m. A glass of complimentary champagne will be served to patrons during intermission for the New Year’s Eve celebration.
La Bohème is directed by Helena Binder, who returns to First Coast Opera after directing Verdi's La Traviata in 2021. Performing artists include Ganson Salmon as Rodolfo; Julia Radosz as Mimì, Steve Valenzuela as Marcello; McKenna Slack as Musetta; Thomas Gunther as Schaunard; Edwin Davis as Colline; Paul Houghtaling as Benoît/Alcindoro; Esteban Cano as Parpignol.
First Coast Opera launched its new season October 27 and 28 with Copland’s America, its annual dinner show. Patrons enjoyed a meal provided by St. Augustine’s own La Cocina International restaurant.
General and Artistic Director, Curtis Tucker, narrated the program and even took a turn on stage. Tucker was recognized on the occasion of his 10th anniversary with the company.
Upcoming 2024 events include:
The Roaring 20s Gala will take place on Wednesday, February 14 at Lightner Museum, 75 King Street, in downtown St. Augustine. Find your flapper dresses and zoot suits and step into the Roaring 1920s on Valentine’s Day. Celebrate with a night filled with sumptuous food and cocktails, lively dancing, and exciting auctions. This event is sponsored by The Treasury on the Plaza and Lightner Museum. Tickets are available at firstcoastopera.com
The Pirates of Penzance on March 15 and March 17 in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Be swept away by Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved operetta. Unforgettable characters and catchy tunes will have guests tapping their toes and laughing out loud. Tickets are available at firstcoastopera.com
First Coast Opera season supporters include Bank of America; Truist Foundation; Treasury on the Plaza; Tiberio Foundation; Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball, P.A; Gathered Events and Rentals; and Ameriprise.
First Coast Opera is sponsored in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Division of Arts and Culture.