1890 Peugeot Replica
For this remount of our signature production of La Boheme, there was a desire to bring the props and set dressing into the appropriate period of the 1890s. The car was built as a replica of an 1890 Peugeot two-seater. This would have been faithful to the vehicle available in Paris at that time. Months of research, design, engineering and hundreds of hours of fabrication were required for this prop to come to life.
Replica of 1890 Peugeot two seat automobile
Musetta (soprano Janai Brugger) and Alcindoro (bass-baritone Philip Cokorinos) on the Peugeot
Although we do have a variety of fake fish in our prop inventory, a higher level of realism was required for the “Fish Seller’s” buckets. We experimented with different casting formulations and paint treatments to get a more realistic appearance.
Fake fish dry on racks after painting
A confetti drop was added to create a greater spectacle as the cast marches with French flags. One hundred and fifteen pounds of confetti was purchased for the run of the production. A “sling” is tied between two pipes above the stage and on cue the “sling” is rolled back and forth and the confetti spills though slits in the fabric.
Abundant confetti falls on the Banda (orchestral musicians who perform onstage or backstage), chorus and supers for the finale of Act II
In keeping with the attention to period, the production required bicycles that appear to be from the 1890s. For this reason and for ease of use with elaborate staging, we created “stylized” versions of 1890s bicycles.
Two new stylized bicycles were added to La Boheme
For safety and staging purposes, coaster brakes were utilized that do not require the pedals to rotate while turning corners. The foot operation of the brakes leaves the performers hands free for props and actions.
Schaunard (baritone Museop Kim) rides new bicycle in the last act of La Boheme