Known for raucous parties and loud live music, few people would ever think of listening to opera in New Orleans. But now with the opening of a cocktail lounge called the Puccini Bar, patrons can take a break from the staggering indulgence of Bourbon Street and listen to songs from “Carmen” and “La Boheme.”
Situated in The Inn on Bourbon, the lounge is built on the former site of the French Opera House, which burned down in 1919. Back then the Opera House was a part of a thriving theater district, but, oh, how times have changed! What once may have been a place for formal outings in top hats and ties is now a place frequented gentlemen often too drunk to tie a tie.
Still, if you can get past the few confused revelers that wander into the lounge, you’ll be
amazed by quality performances from the trio Bon Operatit! and the New Orleans Opera Association’s “Opera on Tap” series. The association states that the aim of this series is to reach to people who might otherwise never been exposed to the art form (and certainly anyone who can hear the opera over the din of karaoke just down the street, has to admit they are probably achieving their goal).
Currently, opera performances are scheduled monthly at the Inn on Bourbon, with the next one schedule for October 10, 2009. Aside from opera, the theater/lounge will be hosting various other performing arts, including plays and musicals.
Visit www.innonbourbon.com
