La Cieca is delighted to wake up to some wonderful, uplifting news. No, not about the balloon boy; turns out that was a hoax anyway. This “rescue” is for real. Amore Opera, successor to downtown institution Amato Opera, will present its first full production, Puccini’s La Bohème opening on Friday, December 11th at the Connelly Opera House, 220 E. 4th Street, New York City and continuing until Sunday, January 3rd, 2010.

The company will continue performances in the new year with The Merry Widow, The Magic Flute and Hansel and Gretel, as well as a series of capsule “Family Briefs” presentations. Sets and costumes are donated to the company by Amato founder Tony Amato, refurbished by designer Richard Cerullo. [Press release, pdf]