****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED While there is no denying that Puccini's "La Boheme" is one of -- if not the -- world's most beloved and popular operas, Lyric Opera of Chicago took a bit of an artistic gamble when they announced that they would be presenting "La Boheme" during their 2024/2025 season for an astounding ten performances. Just to give you some idea of how gargantuan that number of performances is, most individual operas presented by Lyric Opera each season are scheduled for no more than the standard five performances (sometimes that number can go as high as six if it is a specialized work or one that features a highly-coveted new rising star or one who is already established as a superstar in the international opera world). The risk on Lyric's part has paid off quite handsomely with this gorgeous production which feels as fresh and vital as it must have felt immediately upon its premiere in 1896. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS
Every single element of this "La Boheme" is commendable, from the legendary lead quartet of singers under Melanie Bacaling's refreshingly sensitive and astute direction to conductor Jordan de Souza's masterful grasp of Puccini's evocative score and Gerard Howland's surprisingly imaginative and unique set design glorifying the look of Belle Epoque Paris circa 1888, which is also reflected in distinguished British designer Peter J. Hall's original costume design restored here by designer Jeannique Prospere.
Ailyn Perez, in what has quickly become her signature role, is pure radiance as Mimi, the humble and love-starved seamstress. Perez brings a youthful zest and magnanimous joie de vivre to her portrayal of the delicate Mimi. Initially, Perez is timid and alone and her Mimi seems to be ill-prepared for the harsh realities of her world. By Act II, which is set in the streets of the Latin Quarter, Perez and her Mimi have truly come alive. This Mimi now seems to be in awe of all of the excitement around her and slightly overwhelmed by cafe society at large. Watch Perez closely during this act (it's hard not to). She may appear almost like a young school girl who is very much in love. Perez's face lights up and her eyes are larger than those of the young children out and about on Christmas Eve to ogle all of the goodies for sale from the toymaker Parpignol (the dapper Travon D. Walker in a vibrantly jaunty yet fleetingly brief role). However, it is not until the final two acts that Perez can really reach the very conflicted heart of this character and she does so beautifully.
Pene Pati, in his long-awaited Lyric debut, is nothing short of sensational as Rodolfo, the starving artist poet and hopeless romantic who lives next to Mimi and eventually becomes her love interest. There is unmistakable chemistry between Perez and Pati and they both bring a tenderness which is palpable to their respective portrayals. Pati's captivating tenor is as golden and warm as his native Samoan sun.
Gabriella Reyes has the lion's share of the fun as Musetta, Puccini's ultimate party girl (or call girl, depending on your personal interpretation of the historical significance of this role). Musetta may be described as a cynical manipulator with an ice-cold heart, but by the evening's end, she (along with several of her fellow bohemians) prove just how large that heart actually is.
Lyric favorite Will Liverman is adept at both lighter comedic moments as well as more emotional grounding as Marcello, the painter who shares a confined garret with Rodolfo. Marcello is the on-again, off-again paramour of Musetta and he must learn to control his jealousy when they are not an item. The famous Act III quartet, as performed by Perez, Pati, Reyes and Liverman is pure opera magic.
This "La Boheme" is absolutely exquisite and clearly not-to-be-missed. Get your tickets now. It's not as if you don't have enough opportunities to see it.
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"La Boheme" continues until April 12, 2025
Lyric Opera of Chicago is located at 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Remaining performances are:
Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 PM
Friday, March 28 at 7:00 PM
Monday, March 31 at 7:00 PM
Thursday, April 3 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, April 6 at 2:00 PM
Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 PM
Tickets: Please visit www.lyricopera.org or call 312-827-5600
Run time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission