La Bohème is one of the great tearjerkers in all of opera. Composed by Giacomo Puccini with a libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, the opera depicts the rambunctious revelry of a group of struggling young artists in 19th-century Paris and centers on two lovers, a seamstress named Mimi (portrayed by Italian-American soprano Marina Costa-Jackson) and a poet named Rodolfo (Albanian tenor Saimir Pirgu). The gang of friends’ merrymaking — highlighted by the sensual interplay between tormented painter Marcello (South Korean baritone Kihun Yoon) and the flirtatious singer Musetta (U.S. soprano Erica Petrocelli) — is interrupted when Mimi is stricken by a mysterious illness. Director Barrie Kosky was the creative force behind L.A. Opera’s surreal and wildly inventive makeover of The Magic Flute, although he is taking a relatively traditional approach in this semi-lavish (with Victoria Behr’s striking, evocative costumes and Rufus Didwiszus’ minimal but arty scenery) new production from Komische Oper Berlin.

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown.; Wed., Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m.; through Sun., Oct. 6; $27-$349. (213) 972-8001, laopera.org.

 

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