Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said;
“People say never work with children or animals but I love to do both. The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. Since then we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage."
“Many years ago when we last did La Bohème and asked local people to volunteer their pets it was a huge success. We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners! We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.”
The dog needs to be well behaved and small, and their owner needs to be prepared to go onstage in costume to look after him or her.
Those interested should send a photograph of their dog to Jules Bath: jules@ellenkent.co.uk Or Ellen Kent ellen@ellenkent.co.uk. Please include a contact number and address as well as the breed, height, weight, age and name of the dog. If successful, the company will contact the chosen owner a week before the performance.
Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème, is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes La Vie de Bohème. Set in Paris, it focuses on the love between seamstress Mimi and poet Rodolfo.
Opera & Ballet International proudly presents this Ellen Kent production with international soloists, highly praised chorus and full orchestra. Introducing the International soprano Alyona Kistenyova as Mimi and starring Olga Perrier, the international French Soprano as Musetta, this classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Musetta’s Waltz. Traditionally staged and featuring beautiful sets and costumes, the production includes a brass band, snow effects and, of course Musetta’s dog.
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
