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Health & Fitness

Wilmette Theatre Offers Hidden Gem for Opera Lovers

The wonderful "Opera in Cinema" film series is a well-kept secret at the Wilmette Theatre.

Opera lovers in the area are familiar with the Metropolitan Opera’s “Live in HD” performances at several North Shore movie theaters. But a well-kept secret is the wonderful “Opera in Cinema” film series playing at the Wilmette Theatre (The Mette). A marvelous performance of Puccini’s La Boheme will be shown on Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. with an encore performance on Sunday, May 8 at 2:30 p.m.

If your Mom likes opera, she’ll love you for taking her to see this magnificent film on Mother’s Day.

I saw the film on WTTW at the end of 2009. The film’s stars, Anna Netrebko as Mimi and Rolando Vallizón as Rudolfo, were quite believable as the star-crossed lovers. Robert Dorhelm, the film’s director stated, “My principal motivation in filming the opera La Boheme is to set a memorial to the singers Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón.”

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The soundtrack was recorded at a 2007 Munich concert performance and the principals were all in good voice. One unique aspect of the film was the ending of Act I. Without tipping off the director’s vision for the two lovers, suffice it to say that the Bohemian friends would have to wait a bit at the cafe for Mimi and Rudolfo to arrive.

Many North Shore residents like to brag about living within communities that offer distinctive and enhanced quality of life experiences, such as the , great shopping and restaurants, access to Lake Michigan, and fine educational and cultural organizations.

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One unique venue that is often overlooked is the Wilmette Theatre. Built in 1913 and renovated in 2006, the Mette currently offer live events and an Actors Training Center beside films in its two theaters.

Check out their films and live events at www.wilmettetheatre.com. The new owners should be commended for bringing unusual live events to the North Shore. I recently attended a vaudeville night, which featured a comic magician, a mime and a juggler. One of the great lines of the evening was when the juggler mentioned he had just bought a Toyota. He took out a Star Wars Yoda doll. (Get it: A Toy Yoda. I just love shtick.)

Speaking of the Opera in Cinema series, the Mette showed Rigoletto starring Placido Domingo in the title role. While many feel he’s moving away from tenor roles as he matures, most people don’t know he originally was a baritone. His music teacher felt he should be a tenor and he trained for those roles.

I highly recommend attending the Mette live events and their films. They’re very special and need everyone’s support. Besides in these tough economic times, you don’t need to drive very far, there’s plenty of parking and the price is right.

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