One of the most understandable and accessible operas ever composed will soon enchant State College.

Understandable?

Accessible?

Dubious though it sounds describing an oft-evaded genre, it's true.

Giacomo Puccini's masterpiece, La Boheme, which will be presented at 7:30 tonight at Eisenhower Auditorium, is recognized not only as one of the most significant works of art, but also as the easiest to grasp, according to opera aficionados worldwide.

The opera portrays the lives of virtually starving artists trying to get by in 1800s-era Paris as tuberculosis runs rampant through the land.

Despite their misfortunes, they find happiness and love in their friendships and other relationships.

Sound familiar?

It's quite possible that it does, because La Boheme inspired the creation of the Broadway musical Rent.

The two shows share many similarities, from the origins of characters' names and fundamental plot lines to repeated musical strains.

Laura Sullivan, Center for the Performing Arts spokeswoman, said she believes this link to pop culture will attract a wide-ranging audience.

"I really hope Penn State students come and try La Boheme because of its connection to Rent," she said. "I'm hoping that will be a hook for a lot of students."

Sullivan also mentioned that the traditional operatic arias would likely sound familiar to most people, because some of the pieces may have been heard in other places.

The Bulgarian company Opera Verdi Europa, founded in 1996 by Ivan Kyurkchiev, will present La Boheme tonight as part of its second American tour.

Also the ensemble's artistic director, Kyurkchiev said the impressive talents of the performers would definitely result in a fantastic show.

"The audience will be very happy to see this traditional production performed with very beautiful voices," Kyurkchiev said.

Kyurkchiev also explained that Opera Verdi Europa's interpretation of La Boheme is fairly traditional, but he added some new elements to stage direction.

"For example, in contrast to traditional directing, we are using a lot of young singers for the beautiful music of La Boheme," he said. "What is special is the emotion of the voices."

Penn State professor of music Susan Boardman, also the director of the Penn State Opera Theatre, said she believes La Boheme is a magnificent work of art.

"This is one of the most popular operas around the world, and the music is some of the loveliest tunes that opera has ever had," Boardman said. "It's highly beloved also because it is very youthful."

Boardman further noted that opera novices would benefit from giving La Boheme a try.

"It's a good opera for young people to get to know first, because it's about young people," she said. "I highly encourage anybody who has not seen it."

Sullivan also said attending tonight's production would be a great way for anybody to embark on an opera education.

"Sometimes opera can be a little scary to newcomers," she said. "But because the storyline is so similar to Rent, it's totally accessible. For students in particular, it's a great way to be introduced to opera."