Listen: Minnesota Opera presents 'La Bohème'

Friendship. Love. Anguish. This opera’s story begins and ends in a garret in Paris, as a group of friends and lovers find love and joy amid the hardship and struggle of a life in pursuit of art. It's Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème, with libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica, and it was performed by the Minnesota Opera last season at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Listen now!

The Story

On a bitterly cold winter’s night in the heart of Paris, a young woman’s search for a candle light fatefully sparks one of the most enduring love stories of all time. But can a love so great be sustained? Join Mimì, Rodolfo, and their bohemian friends as they find levity and joy amidst the hardship and struggle of a life in pursuit of art. Featuring some of the most captivating music ever written, Puccini’s La Bohème weaves moments of warmth and ecstasy together with anguish and heartbreak in this enduring story of love, loss, and life. 

ACT I
In their garret in Paris’ Latin Quarter, near-destitute artist Marcello and poet Rodolfo try to keep warm by feeding the stove with pages from Rodolfo’s latest drama. They are soon joined by their roommates — Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, fuel, and funds he has collected from an eccentric nobleman. While they celebrate their unexpected fortune, the landlord, Benoit, comes to collect the rent. After getting Benoit drunk, the friends urge him to tell of his flirtations, then throw him out in mock indignation at his infidelity to his wife. As the others depart to revel at the Café Momus, Rodolfo remains behind to finish an article, promising to join them later. There is a power cut. Mimì, a neighbor, knocks on the door and asks for a light. As she enters the room, she suddenly feels faint. Rodolfo gives her a sip of wine, then helps her to the door. Mimì realizes that she dropped her key when she fainted, and the two search for it. Rodolfo finds the key and slips it into his pocket. In the moonlight, the two get to know each other. Rodolfo tells Mimì about his dreams, and she talks to him about her lonely life. Rodolfo’s friends call from outside, urging him to join them. He responds that he is not alone and will be along shortly. Happy to have found each other, Mimì and Rodolfo leave together for the café.
 
ACT II
Amid the shouts of street hawkers near the Café Momus, Rodolfo introduces Mimì to his friends. They all sit down and order supper. The toy vendor Parpignol passes by, besieged by children. Marcello’s former sweetheart, Musetta, makes a noisy entrance on the arm of the elderly, but wealthy, Alcindoro. The ensuing tumult reaches its peak when, trying to gain Marcello’s attention, Musetta loudly sings the praises of her own popularity. Sending Alcindoro away to buy her a new pair of shoes, Musetta finally falls into Marcello’s arms. A “gilets jaunes,” or yellow vests, protest walks by the café, and as the bohemians fall in behind, the returning Alcindoro is presented with the check.

 
ACT III
At dawn, in a cabaret in the fringes of the city, Musetta, as the mistress of ceremony, and guests are heard drinking and singing. Mimì arrives, searching for Rodolfo. Marcello comes out of the bar, and she tells him of her distress over Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy. She can’t handle him anymore and believes they should part. As Rodolfo emerges from the bar, Mimì hides nearby. Rodolfo tells Marcello that he wants to separate from Mimì, blaming her flirtatiousness. Pressed for the real reason, he breaks down, saying that her illness can only grow worse in the poverty they share. Overcome with emotion, Mimì comes forward to say goodbye to her lover. Marcello runs back into the cabaret upon hearing Musetta’s laughter. While Mimì and Rodolfo recall past happiness, Marcello returns with Musetta, quarreling about her flirting with a customer. They hurl insults at each other and part, but Mimì and Rodolfo decide to remain together until springtime.
 
ACT IV
Months later, Rodolfo and Marcello are now moving out from the garret. They have both separated from their girlfriends and they reflect on their loneliness. Colline and Schaunard bring a meager meal. To lighten their spirits, the four stage a dance, which turns into a mock duel. At the height of the hilarity, Musetta bursts in with news that Mimì is outside, looking very weak. As Rodolfo runs to her aid, Musetta relates how Mimì begged to be taken to Rodolfo to die. She is made as comfortable as possible. While the friends decide to collect money to buy her medicine, Colline goes off to pawn his overcoat. Left alone, Mimì and Rodolfo recall their first meeting and the early happy days of their relationship. The others return and as Musetta prays, Mimì slowly drifts into unconsciousness. The friends realize that she is dead, and Rodolfo collapses in despair.

Pre-Concert Interview

Soprano Melinda Whittington, who sings the role of Mimì in her Minnesota Opera and role debut, and baritone Joo Wan Kang, who sings Marcello, joined host Bonnie North in MPR’s Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser studio to talk about why La Bohème is so popular more than 100 years after its premiere. Listen to their conversation about this exciting production now!

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Minnesota Opera - 'La Bohème' Cast Interview

Find out more on the MN Opera’s official site and watch the trailer for the production below.