Singapore Lyric Opera Puccini La Boheme Production

LOVE! GIVE ME LOVE! SHOW ME ALL CONSUMING PASSIONATE LOVE IN LA BOHEME!

My demands are not that impossible. Actually, they are not that far off from what the opera wants to achieve. In fact, they are quite easy to accommodate since La Boheme is one of the most romantic operas of all time.

Yet, from the first act I already knew that I would not be swept away by the grandeur of love, no matter how open I was for the heady experience. Its lack in the Singapore Lyric Theatre production of La Boheme at the Esplanade Theatre on 29 January 2010 is, to put it mildly, disappointing.

A strong tenor by all rights, Kota “Rodolfo” Murakami soars through his notes confidently, with his voice reaching into the recesses of the Esplanade Theatre. Yet, his characterization of Rodolfo as a an overly confident young man who seems bent on seduction fails to enchant, while his declarations of love and admiration for Mimi’s beauty gives the impression of a boy sowing his wild oats instead of a young man confronted with the love of his life.

The failure to create the “reality” of falling in love at first sight destroys the power of the third act when the separated lovers are reunited with the bonds of love.

Moreover, I am appalled that the fiery character of Musetta was sung by someone who is not yet vocally ready for the demands of the role. Kristin Symes makes her operatic debut in the role of Musetta with the Singapore Lyric Opera’s production of La Bohème. Although Kristin Symes exhibits great charm and charisma onstage, her casting is almost an insult to the numerous Musettas who have sung the character’s famous solos.

Nevertheless, I am thinking of watching it again since there is another Rodolfo, tenor Simon Kyung Lee, and, Nancy “Mimi” Yuen is just beautifully lyrical in the death scene in the last act; plus, the production features a full orchestra.

I would like to thank the La Boheme sponsors for supporting the Singapore Lyric Opera production and making it possible for the ticket prices to be affordable.

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