Girl Trouble: Review of Opera Theatre’s La Boheme

La Boheme is widely regarded as one of the most popular operas of all time. Produced in many places in many forms since its premiere in 1896, it has most recently surfaced in popular culture via the success of its theatrical reimagining as “Rent.”

La Boheme has endured because it is both a timeless tragedy of love and a story about the struggle of artists to live, breathe, work and create amidst harsh economic times.

One could argue that today’s economic woes serve as the perfect template for invigorating Puccini’s work, making it just as popular now as ever. This timing, along with the opera’s continued high standing in contemporary repertoires, makes it the perfect season opening production of Opera Theatre St. Louis.


Although La Boheme is an ensemble production, the main plot centers on the love affair between Mimi, a sickly seamstress, and her neighbor Rodolfo.

On Christmas Eve, Rodolfo, a poet who lives a Bohemian Parisian lifestyle with several other fellow artists including his best friend Marcello, plans to embark on a night on the town. However, after staying behind to finish a few lines of writing, he has a chance meeting with Mimi who is looking for a light for her candle.

Mimi’s candle is light and the brightness that ensues ignites an instantaneous chemistry that flings Rodolfo and Mimi into a stormy but amorous relationship. Over time however Rodolfo becomes so consumed with jealousy over his love’s flirtations that he nearly walks away from her.

As their relationship endures Mimi’s health has worsened causing Rodolfo to feel agonizing guilt over his decision to walk away. Near a breaking point Rodolfo confides in his friend Marcello about the situation. Marcello also confides in Rodolfo about the girl trouble he has with his ex lover Musetta.

By Act Four these two relationships have twisted and turned, creating pathos, tears, turmoil and tragedy as each person searches their heart for true love.

The ensemble cast of la Boheme is extraordinary. Tenor Derek Taylor, making his OTSL debut, carries the production as Rodolfo. Taylor gives Rodolfo a depth that propels the opera. Alyson Cambridge (last seen with OTSL in the 2004 production of Carmen) holds her own as Mimi. Her amazing voice never relents, bringing both artistic and vocal range and emotion to the character. She masterfully captures the tragedy of Mimi. Timothy Mix almost single handedly steals the show as Marcello. His combination of intense emotion is perfectly balanced with a comic timing that works well with the other actors. Also debuting with Opera Theatre is soprano Amanda Majeski as Musetta. Her singing in Act Two is particularly astounding.

Beyond the performances Tim Ocel’s stage direction has made the performers a cohesive tour de force. Ocel’s streamlining of the libretto has made for a much more personal and intense experience.

Ocel has accomplished the difficult feat of keeping La Boheme fresh and innovative. His production, along with Erhard Rom’s innovative set design (which incorporates photographic set panels of the period) is transfixing.

The combined work of Ocel, Rom and a splendidly gifted class has given Opera Theatre of St. Louis a grand opening to its new season.

Upcoming performances of La Boheme at the Loretto-Hilton center.

For more info visit www.experienceopera.org

Posted by | June 12, 2009 | Culture | 1 Comment 

Comments

  • Amber Sullivan

    Thank you for this article — I am going next Saturday night (!!) :)