La Boheme

Los Angeles Review by Willard Manus For the seventh time in recent years, L.A. Opera has mounted its version of Puccini’s LA BOHEME, with Mario Chang as Rodolfo and Nino Machaidze as Mimi. A newcomer, Speranza Scappucci, conducted; Peter Kazaras, in his company debut, directed. This largely youthful, high-spirited production was received well by the sold-out opening-night audience and no doubt will be revived again in future years. Soprano Janai Brugger, a recent alumnus of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, took on the role of Musetta and had a ball with it, camping it up with fiendish glee. She also sang vibrantly and effectively, matching the superb vocal work of the principals. Giorgio Caoduro (Marcello), Kihun Yoon (Schaunard) and Nicholas Brownlee (Colline) had many wonderful moments as Chang’s bohemian pals. The ever-popular, tuneful LA BOHEME will run through June 12 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Gustavo Dudamel will conduct the June 10 & 12 performances. For tickets and information, call 213-2372-8001 or laopera.org