Lyric Opera 2024-2025 Issue 7 - La bohème

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 22 ACT III A cold February dawn. Marcello and Musetta are now living in a tavern on the outskirts of Paris, near a toll-gate. A pale and worn Mimì comes to see Marcello. She tells him of Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy. Rodolfo had stormed out earlier that evening, and has spent the night in the tavern. Mimì hides when he wakes and comes out. Rodolfo eventually reveals to Marcello that his jealousy is just an act. He is actually terrified to watch Mimì’s fragile health deteriorate. He feels guilty, knowing that he is unable to provide for her, and fears that she will die if she stays with him. Mimì’s persistent coughing gives away her hiding place, and Rodolfo realizes that she has heard everything he has said. The two lovers embrace, pledging to delay their break-up until spring; they both realize that a long-term relationship is no longer possible for them. Marcello and Musetta begin to quarrel and Musetta storms off in anger. (brief pause for scene change) ACT IV A few months later. It is now spring; both couples have split up. Marcello and Rodolfo try to work, but the memories of happier times with their respective lovers fill them with sadness. Schaunard and Colline try to raise their spirits. Suddenly Musetta bursts in with news. Mimì is desperately ill and — having left the rich man she had been living with — wants to spend her last hours with Rodolfo. Mimì arrives in a state of collapse, and her friends attempt to make her comfortable. Musetta sends Marcello out to sell her earrings and buy medicine. Musetta goes out herself to look for a muff to warm Mimì’s cold hands. Colline decides to sell his old coat to pay for a doctor; Schaunard goes with him. Left alone, Rodolfo and Mimì recall their first meeting. Their friends return, and Colline says that the doctor is on his way. Thinking that Mimì has fallen asleep, Rodolfo begins to feel hopeful. When he sees his friends’ faces and realizes that Mimì has died, he cries out in anguish. Synopsis