La Boheme

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This was published 12 years ago

La Boheme

By Clive O'Connell

By Giacomo Puccini
Melbourne Opera
Athenaeum Theatre, until March 18
★★★

WHAT pleases most about this production is the continuously high standard of work from its principal line-up. Even in the straitened physical circumstances of the cosy Athenaeum Theatre, Lee Abrahmsen's Mimi radiates a reassuring confidence and energy; indeed, a tad too much of the latter for a consumptive heroine. Just as impressive is the Musetta of Antoinette Halloran who gives that good-time girl's character a healthy infusion of gutsiness and come-hither spark.

But while the sopranos took Saturday night's honours, the Bohemian quartet of males enjoyed marked success, led by Roy Best as Rodolfo, who improved vocally as the opera moved towards its ardently despairing climax. As well, Nathan Lay (Schaunard) and Steven Gallop (Colline) made active and well-projected contributions. Director Hugh Halliday disposes his forces deftly, although even his skill is hard pressed to give fluidity to the Act II Cafe Momus scene where the stage is overcrammed with chorus.

Scott Allan's lighting scheme faltered in the opening scenes between the lovers but the night's principal drawback came with conductor Greg Hocking's slow speeds, leaving the orchestra lagging behind the singers and making this boheme one of the longest I've heard. This is a worthy production with many excellent vocal passages but the enterprise needs a firmly applied accelerator.

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