Laurence Meikle pulls an Opolais in Germany

Laurence Meikle in last night's La bohème in Wiemar (right)

Australian barihunk was a last minute replacement last night in Puccini's La bohème at the Deutsches Nationaltheater und Staatskapelle Weimar. The singer is no stranger to the opera having performed four roles: Marcello, Schaunard, Benoit and Alcindoro. What's amazing is that he's scheduled to sing Marullo in Verdi's Rigoletto tonight at the Theater Nordhausen.

The story is reminiscent of soprano Kristine Opolais, who stepped into the Met's La bohème a night on April 5, 2014 a night after having performed Madama Butterfly. What makes Meikle's back-to-back performances so amazing is that it's not in the same opera house, but 90 minutes down the road.

When he's done with Rigoletto, he heads back to Wiemar to take on Baron Douphol in Verdi's La traviata beginning on January 24. 

Lee Gregory in Detroit

Lee Gregory (photos by John Grigaitis)

The Michigan Opera Theater is presenting La Boheme this month with barihunk Lee Gregory. He will be singing the role of Shaunard with his gorgeous wife Kelly Kaduce playing Mimi. Die hard opera fans will know that this couple is the North American version of Schrott-Netrebko in terms of hotness onstage.

The photos above are from the current rehearsals at the opera house.

Barihunks encourages anyone in the Detroit area to support this opera company, which has not only survived in a brutal economy, but has maintained the highest artistic standards. Tickets can be purchased at the MOT website.  Performances run from November 13-21.

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