La Boheme

Based on Henri Murger's Scènes de la Vie de Bohème, Puccini's perennially popular opera captures the colorful circumstances of struggling Parisian artists--the writer Rodolfo and his insanely jealous love of Mimi; the earthy painter Marcello and “working girl” Musetta; the musician Schaunard and the philosopher Colline--ending, of course, in tragedy. Frankly, I've always considered it a lightweight, crashing bore, but this production is just terrific. Filmed live at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, this mounting proves to be a perfect fusion of the cinematic and the operatic with its lively action (particularly in the 2nd act Latin Quarter scene, with its carnival atmosphere) and crowd-pleasing score. Designed by the team of Catherine Martin and Bill Marron for Baz Luhrmann, director of Moulin Rouge (Martin has mounted a similar Luhrmann production to the delight of all Broadway this season), this Dolby Digital 5.1 enhanced rendition of La Bohème has a youthful but smart and sophisticated look that will draw newbies to opera, while offering jaded veterans of the art fresh reason to cheer. Essential for any music collection and highly recommended for all others. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)