Julie Adams sings Mimi in San Francisco Opera's La Boheme
La Boheme has always been on of my favorite operas because I'm in LOVE with the Broadway production Rent! Did you know that Rent was based on Giacomo Puccini's opera?? Yes, there are a few differences (okay, maybe a lot) but Jonathan Larson created Rent because he wanted to update the setting and story of a classic opera to modern day times, which I can definitely get behind. Both stories focus on the difficulties of living in poverty and the dangers of a life lived away from conventional standards. Another major similarity is the famous scene when Mimi knocks on the door of her neighbor and asks him to light her candle. Such a great moment!
1. When did you start singing opera?
I started when I was 18 years old but I grew up singing pop and musical theater because I originally wanted to be a Broadway singer. It wasn't until later in high school that I discovered classical music was the perfect fit for my voice. After that, I never looked back!
2. What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't singing opera?
I love trying new restaurants around San Francisco with my friends. There are so many great hidden gems here and the food is fantastic!
3. Have you ever messed up on stage and how did you recover?
Yes! There was a pretty hard scene in The Makropulos Case (the music is in Czech!) where I need the prompter to help me with some cues but when I looked down for him, he was gone! The music went by and I had forgotten my line. Luckily my counterpart kept going. My adrenaline kicked in and I was able to catch back up! It's in these moments where you really just have to lock eyes with the conductor and they will help you get back on the right track.
4. What piece of advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?
Trust in yourself. When you trust in yourself and be true to who you are, you can do anything you put your mind to.
5. What are you working on after your performances as Mimi?
This fall I'm going to perform in the Marriage of Figaro as the Countess with the Michigan Opera Theatre! I'm very excited because it's my first time to sing this role.
To see Julie Adams perform as Mimi in the San Francisco Opera's production of La Boheme on June 20 & 25, 2017, click here.
To find out more about Julie Adams, click here.
To see more behind the scenes stories from Red Curtain Addict, click here!
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