La bohème, G. Puccini | Opera

Description

Not since 2017 has the stage of the Teatro de la Maestranza seen the return of the Bohemians—set to Puccini’s music—who shared a garret and their dreams in a timeless Paris. The story of Rodolfo, Mimì, Marcello, and their circle is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and how reality feeds upon dreams and illusions, forcing one to grow up too fast in an all-too-cold world.

Jonathan Miller’s production of *La bohème*—originally designed for the English National Opera in 2009 and here updated by Isabella Bywater—transfers the action to the 1930s. While remaining faithful to the original narrative and focusing on the individual characters of this *verismo*-infused ensemble tragedy, the production allows quintessential Italian vocalism and exquisite melodies to take center stage.

Leading the cast for this occasion are two major international stars: tenor Celso Albelo and soprano Ailyn Pérez. Both are renowned interpreters of Puccini performing signature roles, appearing together on our theater's stage for the first time. This long-awaited homecoming—nearly a decade later—of the poet, the seamstress, and the rest of the Bohemians promises to be a truly momentous event. Opera in four acts by Giacomo Puccini

Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica, based on *Scènes de la vie de bohème* by Henri Murger

Premiere: February 1, 1896, at the Teatro Regio, Turin
Last performance at the Teatro de la Maestranza: 2017

Musical direction: Carlo Montanaro / Valentin Egel*
Stage direction: Jonathan Miller
Revival of staging, set design, and costumes: Isabella Bywater
Lighting design: Jean Kalman
Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra
Teatro de la Maestranza Chorus
Los Palacios Children's Choir
Production by English National Opera and Cincinnati Opera
* December 5, 9, and 11
Rodolfo: Celso Albelo / Ángel Gómez*
Schaunard: Lluís Calvet / Carlos Reynoso*
Benoît: Vicenç Esteve
Mimi: Ailyn Pérez / Berna Perles*
Marcello: Alfonso Mujica / Carlos Daza*
Colline: Marko Mimica / Sebastià Serra*
Musetta: Giuliana Gianfaldoni / Soraya Méncid*
Alcindoro: Pablo Gálvez
Parpignol: Manuel de Diego
Customs Sergeant: Julio Nomdedeu
Customs Officer: Gregorio García