The Chicago Lyric Opera’s production of La Boheme is spectacular. The performances
are flawless, the sets are breathtaking (the audience actually gasped when the curtain went up
on Act III), and experiencing it in such a beautiful performance space feels like a pilgrimage to
hallowed ground. The curtain opens on an upstairs artists’ apartment. The night is cold and
there isn’t enough money to buy wood to burn for warmth. I was transported back to my days
as a struggling student at the Art Institute of Chicago, living near the blue line Division stop in a
cheap, drafty apartment – cold in the winter and no air conditioning in the summer. It is this
universality -- the incompatibility of art and commerce, and the determination to create,
regardless -- that makes La Boheme timeless.
The beauty and mastery of the vocal performances was the highlight of the evening --
what an incredible cast. Much praise will deservedly be written about the leads, but I do like to
recognize the skill of supporting talent that might not otherwise be mentioned. I was most
moved by Peixin Chen as Colline, and his emotional aria “Vecchia zimarra, senti.” I also very
much enjoyed Ian Rucker’s stage presence and comedic timing as Schaunard. Melanie Bacaling
is the first Asian-American woman to direct a Chicago Lyric opera. She came onstage during
curtain call looking like royalty. This triumph combined with the impressive multi-cultural cast
brought me to tears in this incomprehensible time in history. In that moment, I felt that art can
indeed conquer all.
My Gen Z child enjoyed the show, but was ambivalent about the storytelling. Classical
theater is not always sophisticated when it comes to plot. Insta-love and inconsistencies are par
for the course. My favorite English sub-title said something to the effect of, “She is not a skinny
woman. Skinny women are annoying.” I find it fascinating to contrast classic mores with
modern styles, but again, I’m there for the angelic music and vocal performances.
Giocomo Puccini’s La Boheme is one of the world’s most performed operas. It inspired
the Pulitzer and Tony award winning show Rent and was one of the inspirations for the movie
Moulin Rouge, now an acclaimed musical playing on Broadway. It is a must-see for opera
lovers, especially this production at the Lyric.
La Boheme will be performed March 22, 25, 28, 31, and April 3 (matinee), 6 (matinee), and 12
(matinee) at the Lyric Opera House on Wacker Drive and Madison in Chicago's loop: for tickets and information go to https://www.lyricopera.org/shows/upcoming/2024-25/la-boheme/
For more reviews go to https://www.theatreinchicago.com
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