La Bohème

by Giacomo Puccini

“She never complains, but I feel so guilty, knowing that each day she stays with me may shorten her life!”

Probably the most beloved of all operas, La Bohème is beautiful and touching in Italian; heart-breaking in this English performing translation!

Excerpt:

Act III, Mimi: “Donde lieta usci…“

"Last night, you said that we should end this. Though it breaks my heart, you’re right. I must go. We’re both in so much pain! It’s time to say goodbye. I’ll miss you...every day.

Just one small favor: I’d rather not go back to our room. In the drawer you’ll find my locket and a silver ring, and don’t forget my prayer book. Just wrap them up together in a scarf, and tomorrow I’ll send someone to get them. Oh, there’s also my bonnet, the one you bought that night. If you like…if you like, you can keep it to help you remember our love! Farewell. Forgive me, as I do you."

Copyright Kenneth Jakobs 1990, 2003 All rights reserved

Notes

“A gay life but a terrible one”. Based on Murger’s Scènes de la Vie de Bohème, I’m pretty sure that La Bohème is responsible for more tears than any other opera. Who can fail to be moved by the death of the delicate flower, Mimi, and the grief of Rodolphe who loves her so desperately. It’s as if Puccini was a puppet-master with strings connected directly to our hearts. We meet Mimi when Rodolphe meets her, watch them fall in love, suffer from poverty and disease, separate, and then reunite for her last few minutes on earth. She tells Rodolphe with almost her last breath,

“There isn’t time to tell you all that’s in my heart, but there’s one thing you must never forget. It’s as infinite and deep as all the oceans. It’s my love, and it will live forever! You are my love, my love and my life!”

What a beautiful catharsis. And what music!

But there are other colorful characters and relationships, and lot’s of humor in this amazing piece of musical theater. Something for everyone, as they say.

Full–length version

Small-chorus version: This has cuts in the second act allowing for a more intimate scene at Café Momus. It deletes the character of Parpignol and the march at the end. Perfect for a smaller stage.