Mikhailovsky Theatre
| 26 July |
| 18:00 |
| 2026 | Sunday |
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Russian Opera Stars at the Mikhailovsky Theatre La Boheme (opera in four acts) Opera in 2 acts
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Performed in Italian (with synchronised Russian supertitles) Premiere of this production: 04 Apr 2025 The performance has 1 intermission Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes
The Mikhailovsky Theatre, one of Saint Petersburg’s historic gems, continues its legacy of excellence with artists trained alongside the Mariinsky School, many of whom have graced its world-renowned stages. This season, the theatre presents La Bohème, Puccini’s immortal opera of love, longing, and youthful passion. In the vibrant streets of Paris, the lives of Rodolfo, Mimì, and their friends unfold with heart-stirring arias, lyrical duets, and dramatic intensity, offering audiences an unforgettable journey into the triumphs and tragedies of human emotion. Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa based on the novel “Scènes de la vie de bohème” by Henri Murger
Does love and friendship exist in the bohemian circle, or is there only a semblance of relationships in this world? Will the characters be able to fulfil their potential or will they die without creating something truly great?
Thanks to the director’s original perspective of musical theatre, the feelings and relationships of the characters will be shown from the new point of view. While the romantic atmosphere of Paris and the great music of Puccini will only emphasize the deep spiritual transformation that they will experience. SynopsisAct one
Scene one
La Bohème
A flat in Paris. Rodolfo and Marcello are trying to come to their senses after a party and get down to business. The friends banter lightheartedly with each other: Marcello lights the fireplace with Rodolfo’s manuscript. Colline and Schaunard join them. The latter arrives in the company of girls and proposes to continue the party. The arrival of the landlord, Benoit, cuts the fun short, but the friends prank him and send him away without ever paying. Everyone except Rodolfo goes to the restaurant. Suddenly, Mimi appears in the room. She is so different from frivolous bohemian beauties that Rodolfo is charmed at first sight. He confesses his love to the girl and hears her declaration of love in return.
Scene two
Je t’aime
The Latin Quarter. Here reigns an atmosphere of fun and permissiveness. Musetta appears. She had once left Marcello, but she is still in love with him. Marcello, full of revenge, pretends not to notice her. Musetta is angered by his indifference. When she approaches him, Marcello cannot resist her charms.
Act two
Scene three
La Vie en rose
After a while, Mimi comes to Marcello for advice: she is still in love, but Rodolfo is tired of the relationship. Having involved Mimi in their way of life, the young man is not ready to take responsibility for what bohemian life has done to the girl. Marcello and Musetta’s love also fails to endure. Marcello reproaches Musetta for her mercantilism, and their quarrel ends in a final rupture.
Scene four
Ne me quitte pas...
Marcello and Rodolfo recollect their lovers, Colline and Schaunard try to defuse the tense situation. Suddenly worried Musetta appears. The girl has brought Mimi, who is nearly fainting and can hardly stand on her feet. The friends try their best to help their friend, but Mimi can not be saved...
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La Boheme (opera in four acts)
on the playbill |
Mariinsky Theatre: 
Mariinsky-2 (New Theatre): 
Mariinsky Concert Hall: 
