FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worldgate 9 Theatres presents Exclusive DC

Presentation of LA BOHÈME – September 24 & 27

Herndon, VA - This September, Worldgate 9 Theatres presents the exclusive Washington DC cinema presentation of “La Bohème” to kick-off the theatre’s Fall & Winter Series of “Opera in Cinema” and “Ballet in Cinema”. The series includes productions from the worlds’ most famous opera houses, ballet companies and festivals, presented in high-definition, digital surround sound, and some even being offered live. The series begins with Puccini’s “La Bohème” on Thursday, September 24, the high-budget feature which was filmed in 2008 in Vienna and directed by Oscar- & Emmy-nominated director Robert Dornhelm and features two of the Opera world’s stars: Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón.

“We’re thrilled to be offering the community a big screen presentation of La Bohème, as well as, the chance to experience HD quality showings of Operas and Ballets from around the world.” said Phil Zacheretti, President of Phoenix Theatres, “Rarely do most of us have the opportunity to travel to France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Austria or to see performances by Opera’s and Ballet’s best; but these presentations allow the audience to travel, for just a few hours, to another place and be immersed in music and dance in a wonderful way.”

Anna Netrebko, who has graced silver screens for the past three years in The Met: Live In HD broadcasts, returns to movie theaters across America this September, when Emerging Pictures releases a feature film version of Puccini’s La Bohème, starring the Russian soprano alongside Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón.  London’s Times calls the film “starry and sumptuous,” while according to Classic FM magazine, “The lavish sets and special effects give rise to an extraordinary theatrical opera film.” 

“An intimate staging of Puccini’s tragic love story, which nevertheless retains the feel of a live performance and shows why Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón are currently considered two of opera’s biggest stars.” – Independent (London)

London’s Times, in reviewing Netrebko’s full-length recording of La Bohème, asserts, “It is succulently dramatic – a tribute … to the stars’ power.”  The San Francisco Chronicle wrote: “[Villazón] sounds relaxed and lyrical as the young poet.  His high notes in the climaxes are vibrant and attacked cleanly … . Netrebko, too, is in excellent voice, her gleaming soprano filling out Mimì’s wistful phrases with grace and sensitivity.”

Worldgate 9 Theatres - Fall/Winter 09 Series Schedule

   Thu, Sept 24, 7pm & Sun, Sept 27, 1pm:

LA BOHÈME (Puccini) – A film by Robert Dornhelm

   Thu, Oct 15, 7pm & Sun, Oct 18, 1pm:

I PURITANI (Bellini) – Teatro Comunale, Bologna, Italy

   Thu, Oct 29, 7pm & Sun, Nov 1, 1pm:

SWAN LAKE (Tchaikovsky) – Mariinsky Ballet, St Petersburg, Russia

   Thu, Nov12, 7pm & Sun, Nov 15, 1pm:

EUGENE ONEGIN (Tchaikovsky) – Bolshoi Opera, L’Opera de Paris, France

   Thu, Nov 19, 7pm & Sun, Nov 22 & 29,1pm:

THE NUTCRACKER (Tchaikovsky) – Mariinsky Ballet, St Petersburg, Russia

   Mon, Dec 7, Time TBA: In LIVE locations

LIVE -- CARMEN (Bizet) – Teatro Al La Scala, Milan, Italy

   Thu, Dec 17, 7pm & Sun, Dec 27, 1pm:

COSI FAN TUTTE (Mozart) – Salzburg Festival, Austria

   Tue, Dec 22, Time TBA: In LIVE Locations

LIVE -- IL TROVATORE (Verdi) – Gran Teatro del Liceu, Barcelona

Worldgate 9 Theatres is located in Worldgate Centre, at exit 10 off the Dulles Toll Road, at the intersection of Centreville Road/Elden Street and Worldgate Drive in Herndon.  The center includes Worldgate Sport & Health, Marriott Suites Hotel, Coldstone Creamery and TGI Fridays.  Worldgate Centre is owned by Worldgate Centre, LLC, an affiliate of The Rappaport Companies, and is managed by The Rappaport Companies of McLean, Va.  For movie listings visit www.worldgatecentre.com.

Media Contacts:

For more information about Worldgate 9 Theatres:

Phoenix Adlabs Theatre Management

Karen Lane - VP of Marketing & Advertising

865-692-4061x223

For more information about La Bohème, to obtain a screener or to arrange an interview with director Robert Dornhelm, please contact:

Josh Green - Emerging Pictures

212-245-6767, josh@emergingpictures.com