The Bottom Line
Baz Lurhmann has successfully makes opera accessible to the modern audience, through the tone of the subtitles and shifting the setting to 1957 Paris, while remaining true to Puccini's score.
Pros
- Makes traditional opera more accessible
- Amazing performances, set, and direction
- Three sets of leads make it worth seeing again
Cons
- It will soon be difficult to get tickets.
- You'll want to see it again
Description
- The Broadway Theatre at Broadway and 53rd Street.
- Directed by Baz Lurhmann (of "Moulin Rouge", "Romeo & Juliet" & "Strictly Ballroom" fame).
- Opening Night: December 8, 2002
- There are three pairs of performers for the lead roles of Rodolfo and Mimi because of vocal demands.
- There are two pairs of performers for the roles of Marcello and Musetta.
- Over 3,000 performers auditioned worldwide for lead and supporting roles in the show.
- The first two rows are $21.50 (cash) available at the box office two hours before each performance.
Guide Review - Broadway Review: La Boheme
My only complaint about Baz Lurhmann's production of Puccini's "La Boheme" was it was over too quickly. The opera was performed exactly as scored, but was successfully relocated from 1840 Paris to 1957 bohemian left bank Paris. Surtitles help those who don't speak Italian follow along, with references to "bebop" and "Marlon Brando" that brought laughter from the audience. The colorful costumes of the Bohemian characters contrasted against the monocromatic set -- emphasizing their energy and life force. Technically, the performance was impeccable, the characters were believable and the experience truly made me appreciate opera in a way that I had never before. I'll buy tickets for everyone I know, if only so I have an excuse to go again.
