Opera at the Plaza: Bohème Out of the Box

Hayward Public Library is pleased to announce that it will be partnering with San Francisco Opera to bring its very popular free mobile stage performance of Puccini’s La Boheme to Hayward!

This abridged presentation of Giacomo Puccini’s beloved opera about love and loss among a group of bohemian artists runs for about one hour and is being enthusiastically received around the Bay Area. Performed in an intimate live version on a converted mobile shipping container stage with piano accompaniment, Bohème Out of the Box will be offered in two free afternoon performances at the Heritage Plaza across from the Downtown Library on Saturday, June 28^th, and Sunday, June 29^th, at 2:00 PM. The opera is sung in Italian; live English supertitles will be available via personal mobile devices. 

Families with young children are invited to participate in a free First Act Family Workshop 30-minutes interactive event from 1:30 PM, just before showtime. Bring along a favorite stuffed animal friend and dance to “Musetta’s Waltz,” one of the most famous melodies in all of opera, as you explore Puccini’s La Bohème and get to know the passionate artists in the story.

This outdoor performance offers an accessible and engaging cultural experience for all ages that can be combined with a visit to the Saturday Farmers Market, exploring Hayward Public Library, or simply enjoying a day out with family.

Details: 

BOHÈME OUT OF THE BOX runs approximately 60 minutes with no intermission, and features piano accompaniment. Performed by San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows and guest artists in Italian. Live English supertitles will be available via personal mobile devices. 

FIRST ACT WORKSHOPS: Families with young children are invited to participate in free First Act Workshops 30 minutes before showtime on June 28^th and 29^th from 1:30 PM

REGISTRATION: Bohème Out of the Box is a free event. Registration at sfopera.com/box is now available and encouraged but not required. 

ADMISSION is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

SEATING is on the grass/lawn area Bring your picnic blankets or chairs if you wish.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES will be available for purchase at the location or nearby, and audiences are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy during the shows.

VENUE: Heritage Plaza 835 C Street Hayward, CA 94541 (Across the street from the Downtown Library). The venue is a short walk from the Hayward BART station and AC Transit routes stopping at Mission Blvd and C Street (10, 28, 60, 93, 95, 99, and 801).

CAST features current San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows Caroline Corrales (Mimì), Samuel White (Rodolfo), Georgiana Adams (Musetta), Samuel Kidd (Marcello) and Jongwon Han (Colline), with Philip Skinner (Benoit/Alcindoro) and Adler Fellow pianists Julian Grabarek and Ji Youn Lee. The creative and technical team includes Jose Maria Condemi (Stage Director), Cassandra Carpenter (Costume Consultant), Ryan O’Steen (Set Coordinator) and Justin A. Partier (Lighting Director).