La bohème
A genius of emotional manipulation, Puccini’s exploration of the joy, anguish and heartbreak of young love has become one of the most popular operas of all time.
The bohemian setting – a garret inhabited by young poets, philosophers and musicians – forms the background to Rodolfo’s first meeting with the consumptive heroine, Mimì. It is love at first sight. However, painfully aware of the constraints of his poverty, Rodolfo leaves Mimì, imploring her to take refuge in the arms of someone with the means to help her. The tragic finale sees them reunited as Mimì reaches out to Rodolfo in her dying hours.
First seen on the Tour in 2000, David McVicar’s acclaimed production tells a modern love story, adding a worldly realism to Puccini’s heartbreaking score. This revival is conducted by Glyndebourne on Tour’s Music Director Jakub Hrůša.
Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan and American soprano Keri Alkema – two award-winning rising stars from the international stage – make their Glyndebourne debuts in the roles of Rodolfo and Mimì. They perform alongside John Christie Award recipient Natasha Jouhl (Musetta), most recently seen at Glyndebourne as Donna Anna in last year’s Tour production of Don Giovanni.
A revival of the 2000 Tour production
Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
This performance lasts approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes including one interval of 20 minutes.
ACT I
Christmas Eve. Paris. Rodolfo, a poet, and Marcello, a painter, complain about their bitterly cold garret. To keep warm they decide to burn Rodolfo’s latest script. While enjoying the brief warmth, they are joined by their friends Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, wine, fuel and money. He tells them about the eccentric Englishman who has just hired him, however, they take no notice, concentrating instead on the goods he’s brought. Schaunard suggests they celebrate Christmas by going to the popular Café Momus. While they are enjoying themselves, Benoit, their landlord, arrives to collect the rent. He is invited inside where the friends ply him with drink, encouraging him to share his salacious exploits. The friends throw him out in mock indignation and successfully avoid paying the rent. As they are leaving for the Café Momus, Rodolfo decides to stay behind and finish an article he’s writing, promising to meet them later. He is interrupted by Mimì, a neighbour, whose candle has gone out. He invites her in and she faints. When she revives, Rodolfo relights her candle and she leaves. Mimì realizes she has lost her key and, for a second time, her light goes out; Rodolfo’s candle has also gone out, leaving them both in darkness. During the search for her key, he feels how cold her hand is and offers to warm it in his. He tells her about his life and shares his dreams with her. In turn she tells him of her solitary existence as a seamstress and how she waits for spring and the scent of real flowers, as the ones she sews have none of their own. They declare their love for each other and leave for the Café Momus.
ACT II
The Christmas Eve streets are full of revellers, shoppers, vendors and children. On the way to Momus Rodolfo buys Mimì a hat before nervously introducing her to his friends. They all sit together and order dinner, full of banter and good humour. Children rush towards Parpignol, a street trader, as he touts his wares. Musetta, Marcello’s ex-lover, makes a grand entrance, followed by her wealthy benefactor Alcindoro. Musetta and Marcello see each other but he tries to ignore her. She regains his attention by singing about her own beauty and allure. The friends at the table remark upon the depth of feeling that obviously still exists between the couple. Complaining violently that her shoes hurt, she sends the long suffering Alcindoro away to buy her a new pair. Musetta and Marcello are reconciled and fall into each other’s arms. The friends escape the café by joining a street parade, leaving Alcindoro to pay their bill.
ACT III
A couple of months later, Mimì comes in search of Marcello, who has now moved and is living with Musetta. Mimì is overcome with coughing when Marcello arrives. He asks her inside to join Musetta and Rodolfo, who spent the night there. Mimì pours out her heart to Marcello, telling him how Rodolfo walked out on her last night and how he is making their life miserable through his incessant jealousy. She asks Marcello to help them separate. She hides when Rodolfo comes out to tell Marcello that he wants to leave Mimì, initially giving the reason that it is because she is a flirt. Marcello digs deeper and Rodolfo confesses that the real reason he wants to leave is that Mimì is dying. He is consumed with guilt as he thinks he may have brought on her condition through his poverty and inability to provide for her. Rodolfo hears her cry out and rushes to where she has been hiding. They reluctantly say goodbye. Marcello returns inside as he hears a commotion caused by Musetta. She flies out in a rage, followed by Marcello shouting insults at her. Mimì and Rodolfo reaffirm their love for each other and decide to wait until spring arrives to separate.
ACT IV
Marcello is back living with Rodolfo. The two friends try to work but are distracted and depressed by the absence of their ex-lovers. Their malaise is broken by the arrival of Schaunard and Colline bearing very meagre supplies for dinner. They make the best of a bad situation and create their own entertainment for the evening. As their fun is getting out of hand, Musetta bursts in. Mimì is with her and is close to death. Rodolfo helps her in and settles her on the bed. Musetta tells the friends how Mimì had left her rich lover and wanted to be brought back to the garrett to die. Musetta and Marcello leave in order to sell Musetta’s earrings to buy medicine. Colline leaves to pawn his precious overcoat; Schaunard also gives the couple some space to be alone. Mimì and Rodolfo reaffirm their love for each other and reminisce about the time when they were first together and the hat he bought for her on Christmas Eve. Their friends return; Musetta gives Mimì something to keep her hands warm and prays for her. Mimì dies peacefully. Grief-stricken, Rodolfo cries out her name.
© Lee Blakeley
Creative team
Conductor Jakub Hrůša / Jeremy Bines (8, 11, 29 Nov, 2, 7, 10 Dec)
Director David McVicar
Revival director Lee Blakeley
Set designer Michael Vale
Costume designer Mikki Engelsbel
Lighting designer Paule Constable
Movement director Leah Hausman
Cast
Rodolfo Atalla Ayan / Bryan Hymel (18, 22, 25, 29 Nov,
2, 7, 10 Dec)
Mimì Keri Alkema
Marcello Vincenzo Taormina
Schaunard Nicholas Lester
Colleine Lukas Jakobski
Musetta Natasha Jouhl
Benoit/Alcindoro Richard Mosley-Evans
Audio extracts courtesy of EMI Classics
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Comments
Watched last performance at stoke, absolutely fantastic, transfer to modern day worked, albeit plumbers basement?,cast were 1st class, sent shivers down my spine. Thank you all for the best performfance, production i have seen in many years
Saw both the performances at the Regent Theatre in Hanley. I thought the singing and acting were fabulous and the modern setting worked really well. Many many congratulations to everyone involved.
I won't be playing any of my La bohème DVDs or CDs for a while; I want to keep this version in my memory for as long as I can.
I'm Going to see this show today with my school Landau Forte Academy Tamworth! I'm looking forward to watching this opera and some comments say it's good and some bad but I will sum it up for myself after ive seen it.
Rather disappointed. A plumber's basement is no substitute for an artist's attic. However the fine music & singing much enjoyed.
An opera beautifully sung. Very disappointed in the set. A plumbers basement is no substitute for an artist's attic.
We watched La bohème last night at The Theatre Royal Plymouth,
we thought it was outstanding!! The cast were sensational with beautfiful singing. The second act in particular was truely amazing. Thank you for this wonderul opera, you should all be very proud of your hard work.
Wonderful performance last night in Plymouth. Great realisation and imagination- the modern set worked well and the drug taking finally explained the dance scene.
My sons who thought they hated opera were surprised, delighted and transfixed.
Thank you for one of those experiences that will stay with me for a along time.
Absolutely sublimely wonderful. Bryan Hymel and Keri Alkema so moving as Rodolfo and Mimi. How do they sing like that when they're sitting down? How does she sing and act so well when lying flat? How is that possible? Perfectly supported by Vincenzo, Lukas and Nicholas. The modern setting worked absolutely fine for me - and the cocaine-taking seems appropriate for the characters (try and find a picture of Puccini without a cigarette dangling from his lips). The modern clothes allowed the performances and emotion to shine through. My best night in the theatre in the last 58 years...
La Boheme did not transfer to Modern Day, the romance was gone, dying of consumption not very realistic. Glorifying drug taking as an every day occurance today, was not acceptable. I feel you were lucky to get away with it, as my party did not notice. I was very unhappy with the performance, it needed to be in costume, the scenery I have seen before, the costumes did not take me into another world, I felt that the recession was on stage, we deserved better. The people on stage deserved better. You have lost me as a future customer.
I can sympathise with Jonathanwinter's frustration. Like him, for me most opera means an overnight stay + two day's annual leave. However I live quite local to Stoke so was delighted to find La bohème on GOT's itinerary. I was so pleased that I didn't have to use any of my leave & that I'd actually be able to get home the same evening, I've booked both performances! Really looking forward to it.
Best-acted and most emotional and moving performance I have seen. What a difference to the old days, when overweight singers just stood there facing front! At the end, not a dry eye in the house. Thought the modern setting worked well. All credit to all involved.
The best Boheme I have ever seen and I shall try to come again in the summer.
I have read the negative crits posted and do not agree. I had no problem with the modern setting or the coke-sniffing (Who are these guys? Of course they would.), mobile phones not intrusive (that must be a first). Cafe scene brilliant. Well done and thank you.
Wonderful music and singing. Horrid production. I never want to see that modern interpretation again!
I was disappointed as to me La Boheme is a tragic love story and sadly this modern day version did nothing for me......at times it became a comedy. The opening scene showing poster of Father Christmas was, I felt, totally inappropriate. The singing was glorious as was the orchestra and at times to close ones eyes and listen was pure magic.
I had never seen La Boheme before although I knew the music. The cast and orchestra were fabulous and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The singing was magnificent - I was amazed how the leads managed to deliver from a range of non-standing positions from kneeling to fully prone. However, we thought that the modern setting just did not work, partly because we like to see traditional costumes and scenery, but also we wondered who would be dying of consumption today and not have the support of the NHS? Also why worry about burning a script when you have the original on the laptop? Sorry to be such a realist and thank you for whetting my appetite for more opera.
Sadly I think I must have missed something with this current production, first of all the set and costumes did nothing for me. The singing was good, but there was no emotion or passion between them and did not make me feel as though it was heart wrenching sadly the production I saw at the English National Opera was by far the best to date. Sorry Glyndebourne.
A wonderful production. I am very much hoping to see it again next year.
Modern production worked for me - the more traditional version was becoming boring. Mimi and Rudolpho were exceptional. Their interpretations avoiding full on bellowing and singing with great sensitivity. I struggled to avoid copying the tears of the lady next to me but the hairs on the back of my neck - always a reliable judge for me, just stood up and trembled.
I've heard Alagna and Geoghiu sing these roles - in Turin - and they did not give the same "wow" factors as these two.
Orchestra worked very sensitively with the singers -great conducting. Minor criticism - what were the chorus supposed to be doing at end of Cafe Momus scene with their backs to audience seemingly very confused. Musetta and Marcello maintained the high standard of singing. Also, one scene at the end was played too close to the edge of stage left meaning good sight-lines for audience right was impaired.
loved the production 8 out of ten the singing was great on balance I think I prefer the traditional setting although this was very good . Perhaps I missed the point but I did not see what the setting added to the performance other than a break with tradition as with having the stage hands on stage with the performers rather than closing the curtains and opening again once you have made the set change.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first Glyndbourne experience.this was the best production of La Boheme I have ever seen,the singing was magnificent.the modern production enhanced it for my daughter and I.
Performance wonderful
Venue fantastic
Mildmay food exceptional
Interval drinks a complete nightmare, but if that is all there is to worry about then........
The singing was magnificent although I think the costumes worked against the acting on occasions. Whilst I`m very happy to see productions in more modern settings, I felt that on this occasion the set looked just too scruffy. I also felt that in the cafe scene with Musetta that the ordinariness of design meant that an element of romance was lost. Hrusa's conducting was however superb and Puccini won out in the end anyway.
I greatly enjoyed the performance and the glorious setting amongst the Sussex Downs. Orchestra and music simply magnificent, singing of highest standard. Slight disappointment with the comtemporary setting of the work. It seems to me that, if a work is moved away from its original time, then the onus is on the producer to make it as least as convincing in the new setting. The third act in particular failed in this respect. The delicate opening music jarred against the harsh metal gates on the stage. Also there was so much "business" in the background during Act 2 that I lost focus on the main characters. However, with Puccini's music in the air such criticisms were quickly forgotten. Thanks for a good day.
This production of La boheme was really very good, and I am thinking of returning with a friend , so they can enjoy it too. Everything was right. Bravo!
I took along a friend who said he had been to quite a few operas over many years, but it had never really worked for him. After this one on Saturday he said 'Yes, I've got it now'. That's how good this was - stock up on your hankies though!
Funny, charming, sad and beautiful all in one night!
A truly wonderful experience in every sense! Can't wait for my next visit and can't believe that it could ever be better. Sincere thanks to the cast and orchestra and for a very special performance.
Gestatten Sie mir auf Deutsch meiner Begeisterung Ausdruck zu verleihen: diese Produktion war von der ersten bis zur letzten Minute erfüllt von einer hinreißenden Spielfreude, auf künstlerisch kaum zu überbietendem Niveau. Die jungen Sängerinnen und Sänger, der Chor und Kinderchor und das fabelhaft aufgelegte Orchester haben unter dem ebenso jungen Jacub Hrusa musikalisch makellos und schauspielerisch brillant eine Aufführung abgeliefert, die wirklich keine Auge trocken ließ. David McVicar's Inszenierung wirkte so taufrisch wie neu geboren. Gratulation! Ich möchte auch nicht vergessen den pre performance talk zu loben, der uns in seiner amüsant darbebotenen Art Art Erhellendes vermittelt hat.
Absolutely brillant production, wonderful singers and orchestration!
An emotional roller coaster; the best acting I have seen in an Opera for 20 years.
Such a youthful and passionate cast.
Wonderful directing: the second act was masterfully complex.
Our party of four agreed this was possibly the best Opera experience of our lives.
Well done!
I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.I do not usually like productions transposed to the present day but for the first time saw the value of this.
Act 2 was a masterpiece and I feel I would need to see this several times to get the full benefit as there was just so much going on.
However, I did not like the scene which involved sniffing cocaine and thought it entirely gratuitous as did other people I have spoken to.
I attended with my elderly mother and fortunately she did not realise what was going on. As the vast majority of the audience were not young I suspect it went over the heads of a lot which merely confirms that there was no need for it.
Saturday's performance of La Boheme has to be high up on my list of the best production of anything I have seen. Modern productions can often lose the magic of operas, but this was wonderful. Good to see several new faces and all with stunning voices. The meeting of Mimi and Rodolfo in Act I was so touching and quite magical, enhanced by the beautiful playing by the orchestra. This will live with me for along time. Thank you all involved in this superb production.
Fully agree with the enthusiastic comments above - merely want to add that we thought the production itself - so successfully updated to contemporary reality - was brilliant.
A wonderefully moving and dramatic production, which looks as fresh now as when it was first staged eleven years ago. Everyone sang incredibly well and completely inhabited their characters.
I now find it difficult to imagine a convincing Boheme in 19 th century costume.
Congratulations to everyone concerned; I can only guess at the amount of effort and hard work that goes into producing such an evening.
Brian J Stevenson
Saturday's production of Boheme was without doubt the best we have ever seen. Rodolfo in particular stood out, but all the cast were superb and Hrusa's conducting was brilliant. Not a dry eye in the house at the end, it was emotionally exhausting! Thank you and hope the other 2 productions will be as good.
We brought along two lifelong opera fans from the Midlands who have both "performed" in the past. We all felt that this was the best production we have seen in 35 years of coming to Glyndebourne. It could not be faulted and the Christmas scene at the end of Act 2 will long remain in our memories.
Spectacular, moving and beautifully sung. The best production of La Boheme I have ever seen.
We were a party of 8 aged 28 to 88. and all were enthralled by the production.
Stunning production. Absolutely first rate. The principals were amazing. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
Quite the worst performance of La Boheme I have heard. The two principles were just adequate with only the Musetta more than that.
The real problem was the direction-or lack of it. The cafe scene especially was completely unfocused with the cast behind the principles rushing around to no good purpose other than filling in time until the fire-eaters appeared.
How long was this performance in preparation?
A wonderful production which sent shivers up my spine.
Many congratulations to you all.
The performance was delicate and compassionate and performed and sung so beautifully. Thank you to the cast and to the orchestra for what was a really moving experience.
The best production of La Boheme I have ever seen. The principles and the orchestra were superb. The sound of the voices and music filled the House and the effect of the music and the lyrics was very emotional.
absolutely fabulous! the first time i have believed in the students' joie de vivre and despair! See this production if you can beg borrow or steal a ticket!
i have seen la boheme many times in my life,& i can truly say this production was one i will always remember,the cast were perfectly balanced,i would not pick out one over the over which can happen sometimes,i have had the good fortune of coming to glyndebourne on several occasions with a friend who is in the opera world,but never been to the winter productions i have recently moved to east sussex so hope to be able to come more often under my own steam.
keep up the good work & congratulations to you all.
It was intended as a birthday treat - and what a treat it turned out to be! We enjoyed it immensely! The orchestra and singers were superb. Well done all!
The opening night of La Boheme was superb. I came out feeling that I had been right royally entertained and emotionally drained - which is as it should be.
Our party included my 94 year old father-in-law who, without being asked, said he could not remember a better evening's musical entertainment.
Congratulations to all concerned
A wonderful production & a successful transposition to contemporary times.
La Boheme opening night was totally sublime. Enjoyed every second. Bravo cast and orchestra!
Glyndebourne "abandoning opera lovers in the Potteries" by staging Puccini's glorious La Boheme?! Pottiness is lurking in the Potteries I fear.
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