Opening Lyric Opera’s season in Chicago, Puccini’s beloved La Bohème premieres Saturday, Oct. 6. One of the most performed operas in the repertory, La Bohème follows the fragile romance between Mimi, a gentle seamstress, and Rodolfo, a young poet, as their love unfolds amid the bohemian life of Paris’ Latin Quarter. Their story is shaped by a close circle of friends: Marcello, an artist; Musetta, Marcello’s mercurial former companion; Colline, a thoughtful philosopher; and Schaunard, a resourceful musician.
Italian soprano Maria Agresta stars as Mimi, with American tenor Michael Fabiano as Rodolfo. The cast also features American baritone Zachary Nelson, Emmy Award–winning Australian soprano Danielle de Niese as Musetta, and Romanian bass Adrian Sâmpetrean as Colline. Domingo Hindoyan makes his Lyric debut as conductor. The production is directed by Richard Jones, with sets and costumes by Tony Award–winning Scottish designer Stewart Laing and lighting by Mimi Jordan Sherin.
Alongside La Bohème, Lyric’s season includes an eclectic slate of works: Idomeneo, Siegfried, Il Trovatore, Cendrillon, Elektra, La Traviata, Ariodante, a staged West Side Story, and the new An American Dream. Special events this season feature a recital by soprano Anna Netrebko and the Renée Fleming 25th Anniversary Concert & Gala. La Bohème will be performed in 11 productions at the Lyric Opera House.
The Lyric Opera House is located at 20 N. Wacker Drive in Chicago, continuing the company’s tradition of presenting world-class voices and compelling stagecraft throughout the season.