Puccini’s timeless opera “La bohème” on stage at Cahn Auditorium

Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music will bring Giacomo Puccini’s “La bohème” to the stage May 26-29.

The opera classic will be performed by Northwestern University Opera Theater, under the direction of Joachim Schamberger, and feature the Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra conducted by Patrick Furrer. 

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Thursday to Saturday, May 26-28, and at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 29. 

Completed in 1895, Puccini’s “La bohème” is set to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, based on the 1851 novel “Scènes de la vie de bohème” by Henri Murger. Four struggling bohemians meet on a bitterly cold Christmas Eve in 1830s Paris: Marcello, a painter; Rodolfo, a poet; Colline, a philosopher; and Schaunard, a musician. They find their lives forever changed when Mimì, a young seamstress, knocks on their door asking for a candle light. She and Rodolfo quickly fall in love, but the happy couple soon awaken to the harsh realities of life when Mimì becomes gravely ill and Rodolfo is unable to provide for her. As Mimì, Rodolfo and their friends navigate the challenges that come their way, Puccini’s timeless opera celebrates life and love in the face of insurmountable odds.

Tickets are $18 for the public and $8 for full-time students with ID and may be purchased from the Bienen School ticket office or by calling 847-467-4000. Cahn Auditorium is located at 600 Emerson Street, Evanston.