Conservatory Graduates Shine on Broadway in Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème by Marci Janas '91
	Related Links: • Richard Miller's Home Page • La Boheme on Broadway		Viva, la vie boheme! Baz Luhrmann’s production of Puccini’s La Bohème opened on Broadway the first weekend in December to wide acclaim, and sharing in the limelight are two recent Conservatory graduates. The visage of David Miller ’95, one of the three singers performing the role of Rodolfo, has appeared not only in Vogue and other publications, but also has been forever preserved in caricature by the legendary Al Hirschfeld. His performance has captivated critics from the Associated Press: "Miller heartbreakingly captures a boyish fellow suddenly turned grown-up in grief." Ben Brantley, writing in The New York Times, says that although "the stars of this Bohème may be as pretty as Calvin Klein models photographed by Avedon," there is no cause for concern: "their voices, for the most part, match their faces." He later adds: "I have never seen an opera in which movement seems so spontaneous or so particular to each individual." Daniel Okulitch ’99 is Schaunard, one of the gang of bohemians whose "bawdy, exuberant horseplay" also impressed Brantley. Both Okulitch and Miller studied with Professor of Singing Richard Miller (no relation). David Miller was his student for five years as a voice performance major in the bachelor of music program and as a master’s of opera student, and he assisted Professor Miller in the Otto B. Schoepfle Vocal Arts Center. "David was a pleasure to teach," says Professor Miller. "His growth during his Oberlin years brought me much personal satisfaction. He has the essential parts of the professional performance package: excellent voice, fine technique, interpretative and stage abilities, and solid musicianship. He always has known how to take full advantage of every learning experience, which has led to a number of highly deserved, early performance successes. He will certainly make a splendid Rodolfo in the Broadway La Bohème. It is very gratifying to watch the continuance of his flourishing career." Okulitch also logged time in the Vocal Arts Center. "Dan is a wonderful young musician," says Professor Miller. "His voice has developed into an impressive vocal instrument. He was a marvelous student, fully committed and dedicated to his work." Both keep in touch with their former professor: they called him from California during the show’s out-of-town run and have invited him to see La Bohème on Broadway. "They told me how wonderful it is to be working with such an imaginative director" as Luhrmann, says Miller. "I am certain they and the production will enjoy a long, successful run." PHOTOGRAPSH COURTESY OF SUE ADLER
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