Bellevue Opera presents Giacomo Puccini's "La Boheme"

La Bohème is a four-act opera by Giacomo Puccini, based on Henri Murger’s novel Scènes de la vie de bohème. It tells the tragic love story of the poet Rodolfo and the seamstress Mimì, set against the backdrop of bohemian Paris in the 1830s.

Act 1: The Garret

In a freezing attic in Paris, the poet Rodolfo, painter Marcello, musician Schaunard, and philosopher Colline struggle to stay warm. Schaunard brings food and money, but the landlord Benoît arrives to collect rent. The bohemians distract him with wine and laughter, eventually throwing him out.
Rodolfo stays behind while the others leave. His neighbor, Mimì, a fragile seamstress, knocks on the door, asking for help with her extinguished candle. She faints due to illness, and Rodolfo revives her. They share their dreams and fall in love (“Che gelida manina” / “Mi chiamano Mimì”). They leave together to join Rodolfo’s friends.

Act 2: The Latin Quarter

At Café Momus, Rodolfo introduces Mimì to his friends. The scene is lively, with bustling Parisians. Marcello’s ex-lover Musetta arrives with her rich but foolish suitor, Alcindoro. She flirts with Marcello (“Quando me’n vo’”), causing a scene. Eventually, she sends Alcindoro away on an errand and reunites with Marcello. The bohemians leave without paying the bill, leaving it for Alcindoro.

Act 3: The City Gates

A few months later, Mimì, increasingly ill, seeks Marcello at a tavern where he and Musetta are staying. She confesses that Rodolfo’s jealousy is pushing her away, but it stems from his despair over her worsening illness. Rodolfo, unaware she is listening, tells Marcello he feels guilty because he is too poor to care for her. Mimì and Rodolfo have a tearful farewell but ultimately decide to stay together until spring. Meanwhile, Marcello and Musetta quarrel.

Act 4: The Garret (Reprise)

Back in the attic, Rodolfo and Marcello lament their lost loves. Schaunard and Colline bring a meager meal, joking to lift their spirits. Musetta suddenly arrives with the dying Mimì, whom she found wandering the streets. The friends scramble to help, selling possessions to buy medicine. Left alone, Rodolfo and Mimì reminisce about their love. She quietly dies as Rodolfo realizes too late, crying out her name in despair.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Theatre At Meydenbauer Center, 11100 Northeast 6th Street, Bellevue, United States