La Bohème
Opera Brava's production of Puccini's
La Bohème
SYNOPSIS
Puccini’s La Bohème is one of the most famous operas ever written, following the unforgettable story of two young, bohemian lovers in Paris. With a great love story comes a beautiful score, including arias like Musetta’s Waltz and ‘Yes, they call me Mimì’ (Si, mi chiamano Mimì).
When young poet Rodolfo meets seamstress Mimì, it’s love at first sight. But faced by the cruel realities of poverty and ill health, will the flame that burns between them flicker and die? Or will the timeless strength of their youthful passion withstand every trial and tribulation that life can throw at them?
A classic tale of tragic romance, La Bohème is a great opera for beginners and regulars alike.
act i
A GARRET IN PARIS, CHRISTMAS EVE, AROUND 1830
The poet Rodolfo and the painter Marcello try to work, but give up in the bitter cold. In desperation they burn the manuscript of one of Rodolfo’s romantic plays; joined by their philosopher friend, Colline, the play finds a more attentive audience than it ever would have done in reality. Just as the fire dies out, the musician Schaunard bustles in, bringing firewood, money and fine provisions. As it is Christmas Eve, the friends decide to go out to dine with their newly acquired wealth but, as they are about to leave, their landlord Benoit turns up demanding the long-overdue rent. Marcello loosens him up with wine and encourages him to confess to a delicious affair: Benoit, it seems, prefers cuddly, plump women, not like his shrewish wife! Armed with this knowledge the Bohemians piously, though melodramatically, blackmail him into leaving without his money. Marcello, Schaunard and Colline head off to Café Momus, leaving Rodolfo to finish an article. Unable to concentrate, he is interrupted by a soft knock at the door; it’s Mimi, their neighbour, asking to relight her candle. Weak and coughing, she faints and Rodolfo has to gently revive her. As she goes to leave she discovers the loss of her key, and her candle promptly blows out again. In her embarrassment, and under the cover of darkness, Rodolfo contrives to touch her hand, and they tell each other their short life stories until the shouts of Rodolfo’s friends disturb them. Rodolfo calls out that he will join them soon; turning back to Mimi he finds her lit by a shaft of moonlight
act ii
CAFÉ MOMUS, LATER THAT SAME EVENING.
In the busy street Schaunard buys a horn (though its notes are false) and Colline, a shabby old coat. When the friends meet at the café, Mimi shows them the bonnet that Rodolfo has bought her. A sumptuous dinner is ordered, but Marcello’s high spirits turn to anguish when his old flame Musetta turns up, accompanied by a doting but stuffy old banker, Alcindoro. Her indignant and flamboyant attempts to attract Marcello’s attention provide much amusement for Schaunard and Colline, but Mimi tellingly realises that Musetta still loves him. After a seductive description of the effect she has upon men, Musetta pretends that her foot is hurting, and her screams send Alcindoro scuttling off in search of a new pair of boots. Marcello succumbs to his true love, and the friends carry Musetta off in triumph, leaving their enormous bill for the hapless Alcindoro.
act iii
A TAVERN ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF PARIS, NINE MONTHS LATER. DAWN.
Mimi has come through the snow to seek Marcello - Rodolfo has left her after weeks of jealous rages. She begs for Marcello’s help and he advises that they should live apart. Rodolfo, who has spent the night at the tavern, comes out and arrogantly announces that he wants nothing more to do with Mimi, denouncing her as a flirt. Marcello sees through him and calls him insecure; Rodolfo, in anguish, confesses that his jealousy merely masks his terrible realisation that Mimi is dying and that his cold room and meagre living can only hasten her end. Mimi’s coughing and weeping betray her presence. As Marcello rushes back to the tavern to find the reason for Musetta’s lascivious laughter, Mimi, with simple dignity, bids Rodolfo farewell and asks him to gather up her few belongings. Unable quite to part, the couple agree to stay together until the spring returns. Marcello and Musetta have a fiery argument before
act iv
THE GARRET, A FEW MONTHS LATER.
Rodolfo and Marcello do their best to convince the others that they are working feverishly, but their gossiping shows them still to be hopelessly in love with the women they left. As Marcello proclaims that it is high time for yesterday’s dinner, Schaunard and Colline enter with a great feast: a single herring. The four musketeers, as they are known, improvise a royal ball with court gossip, dancing and even duelling. At the height of the game, Musetta bursts in- she has found the dying Mimi struggling through the streets to be with Rodolfo for the last time. Musetta leaves and pawns her earrings. Colline sells his beloved coat to buy medicine and a warm muff. Left alone, Mimi and Rodolfo recall happier times together. She falls imperceptibly into her final sleep. Rodolfo is the last to realise the awful truth. The Bohemians anxious faces provoke his heart-rending cries of “Mimi”.