The Setting of La Bohème
Paris, 1930s
Synopsis of La Bohème
ACT I – in a Latin Quarter garret, Christmas Eve
Marcello, an artist, and Rodolfo, a poet, burn pages of Rodolfo’s latest drama in order to stay warm. Soon
they are joined by Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who surprise them with food and
fuel for the fire. Throwing some money on the table earned from his latest job, Schaunard suggests that
they pour some wine, and then spend Christmas Eve together at the Café Momus. Before they can leave,
their landlord, Benoit, knocks at the door, calling to collect their rent.
The men invite him in for a drink and coax him into talking about women. They act shocked at the
thought of a married man indulging in such shady exploits and throw him out without his money.
As they leave for the café, Rodolfo stays behind, promising to join them as soon as he finishes his article.
As he writes, there is another knock at the door. It is their neighbor, Mimì, whose candle has gone out. He
lights her candle with his, and as she leaves, she collapses in a fit of coughing, dropping her key on the floor.
While the two search for it, the draft again blows out her candle, and this time, Rodolfo’s candle as well.
Rodolfo finds the key and quietly places it in his pocket. As the two continue to search in the darkness,
their hands meet. He tells her of his dreams, and she tells of her simple life embroidering flowers.
Immediately taken with one another, they go to the café together.
——— INTERMISSION ———
ACT II – later that evening at the Café Momus
Rodolfo buys Mimì a bonnet on the way to the café. The streets are filled with holiday revelers and
vendors, such as the toy seller Parpignol, who is followed by a crowd of children.
As they sit down to dinner with their friends, Musetta, Marcello’s former girlfriend, appears with the
wealthy and older Alcindoro, who is struggling to keep up with her. Although Marcello and Musetta
attempt to appear indifferent to one another, it is obvious that they still care for each other.
In order to gain his attention and hint at her feelings, Musetta sings a song praising her popularity.
Complaining that her shoe is hurting her, she sends Alcindoro off to the cobbler. She then is free to join her
old friends, leaving Alcindoro to pay the bill when he returns.
——— INTERMISSION ———
ACT III – at a toll gate at the Barrière d’Enfer, late February
Mimì seeks out Marcello who is painting the side of a tavern.
Catching Marcello as he leaves the tavern, Mimì tells him of Rodolfo’s tireless jealousy, and that she
feels they should part. Rodolfo appears, looking for Marcello and Mimì hides. Unaware of her presence,
Rodolfo tells Marcello that he wishes to leave Mimì because of their frequent quarreling. When Marcello
asks for the real reason, he admits that he fears her health will suffer if she is forced to live any longer in
the poverty they share.
Hearing his concern, Mimì approaches as Marcello returns to the tavern to check on Musetta. Marcello
finds Musetta flirting with a stranger, and the two couples resolve to separate. Marcello and Musetta part
in anger, while Rodolfo and Mimì choose to stay together until spring.
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