Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Zeffirelli’s LA BOHÈME trudges on, effectively, at the Met

• By drediman
• October 12, 2016
• No Comments

The company of “La Boheme” at the Metropolitan Opera

Franco Zeffirelli’s production of La Bohème for the Metropolitan Opera has been, for 35 years, one of the iconic productions at the mighty opera company, if not all of New York City. It’s returned once again this fall with an engaging cast of young talents.

Some may argue that Zeffirelli’s production lacks focus, with an eye towards excesses (e.g., the overwhelmingly crowded Act II) and detail (e.g., the overly naturalistic Act III) trumping sharp direction and storytelling. However, with the right cast, the combination of carefully wrought spectacle and passionate performances can be an intoxicating, even magical, brew.

Luckily, Monday night’s performance proved that there’s still substantial value in keeping this warhorse production around. As the doomed lovers Mimi and Rodolfo, both Ailyn Pérez and Dmytro Popov are vocally and dramatically convincing. The rest of the bohemians – Susanna Phillips as Musettta, David Bizic as Marcello, Ryan Speedo Green as Colline, and Rodion Pogossov as Schaunard – provide admirable support. Additionally, the Met Orchestra sounded plush under the baton of conductor Carlo Rizzi.

RECOMMENDED

LA BOHÈME
Opera
The Metropolitan Opera
2 hours, 58 minutes (with two intermissions)
In repertory through January 14