La Bohème

Mimì Can Sing!

even through the coughing fits

What could be better than an eclectic but poor group of artists and a philosopher living in Paris and finding wine, friendship and funding from a variety of places and people. But love comes into play with jealousy and tuberculosis sneaking in to threaten the happiness of young lovers. The plot is classic opera, based on a book by Henri Murger. It has inspired and influenced such stories like Moulin Rouge and the Broadway show Rent. Rodolfo falls for Mimì when she searches for a light for her candle. Musetta is a singer who seems to constantly vex Marcello, the painter. And then there is Colline, the philosopher and Schaunard, the musician. All go through the lows of no food or rent money to the highs of sharing success when it comes to one in the group. But tragic love always makes for better opera so someone has to die. But oh, how they can sing before the fatal end.

What a Lucky treat. As a part of my Tuesday series tickets, I was pleasantly surprised to be attending the one and only performance Anna Netrebko gave as Mimì. Rodolfo, played by Rolando Villazón, constantly see-saws between loving infatuation to indifferent avoidance for Mimì. I have Family Circle seats which translates as the cheap nose-bleed section at the very top of the theater. I bring my binoculars and when the leads are good the distance isn't such a problem. I saw this same Zeffirelli production with my father last year so the magic of seeing the French square as the curtain opened on Act II was gone. Part of the magic may have been lost due to the distance, hard to say. Tonight's performance was packed, standing room only, all there to hear Netrebko sing and she didn't disappoint. Her voice was superb and clear even up in my section. Her projection was strong, in sharp contrast to Villazón's voice. Unfortunately Placido Domingo's conducting was a bit off particularly at the start of Act II. John Relyea as Colline gave a wonderful rendition of "Vecchia zimarra" in the last Act. The performances were truly enjoyable with lots of 'bravas' from the audience. I just wish the cell phones, chatting, and hacking coughs would become things verboten even up in the cheap seats.