La Boheme

Opera by Giacomo Puccini

May 3, 4, and 5, 2025

Casa Italiana, Downtown LA

Dalmatian Club, San Pedro

Opera Italia had a Parisian fling, with costuming in a 1920s (end of the Bohemian era) theme...

La Bohème opens in a shabby attic in Paris, where four young friends — a poet, a painter, a philosopher, and a musician — struggle with cold and poverty but find joy in each other’s company. Their carefree night takes a turn when Rodolfo, the poet, stays behind and meets his neighbor Mimì. Their instant attraction sets off a love story that is tender, passionate, and ultimately tragic.

The four friends (Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline, and Schaunard) are freezing and broke in their little attic room. In Act I of La Bohème, after Schaunard shows up with the food and wine, the four friends get carried away with excitement. They eat, drink, sing snatches of songs, and start dancing around the garret in a mock ball.

Sì, Mi chiamano Mimì
Yes, they call me Mimi
sung by Lauryn Jessup

When Rodolfo reveals to Mimi that he has fallen in love with her, he wants to know all about her. He asks her to tell him something about her and her life.

She claims her life is simple, but spiritually she is richer than ever!