REVIEW – LA BOHÈME

Opera Australia opens its summer season masterfully with this successful production of La Bohème.

Gale Edwards adapts Puccini’s nineteenth century Parisian work to early twentieth century pre-war Berlin brilliantly, where we follow starving artists as they fall in and out of love in the carefree, decadent period of cabarets and music halls.

The production feels more polished this time. Ji-Min Park offers an emotionally captivating performance as Rodolfo; his onstage chemistry with Nicole Car (as Mimi) is delectable. Park’s enthusiastic performance proved popular with the audience.

Sharon Prero (as Musetta) and Giogio Caoduro (as Marcello) are also an excellent pairing. Prero performed Musetta’s Waltz memorably and throughout Caoduro challenged Park for vocal superiority.

Sets are visually stunning; capturing the essence of the period perfectly, while well-executed lighting combined with a flawless orchestra translate the emotional turmoil of characters, providing a wonderful staging of one of the world’s most popular and enduring operas. (LD)

Until Jan 21, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, $44-315, (02) 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com