La bohème 2023 Programme

ACT III
A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER
It’s the start of the day for some, while for
others it’s time to head home to bed after a
night out. Musetta and Marcello are trying to
make a go of things, and are working together
in a bar. Mimì seeks out Marcello in the hope
that he can offer her some advice about her
relationship with Rodolfo, who, she says,
is moody and jealous. She hides when she
sees Rodolfo approaching and eavesdrops
on his conversation with Marcello. Before
long Rodolfo reveals the real reason for his
unhappiness: Mimì is dying. When Rodolfo
spots Mimì, he attempts to cover up his
brutal words. She tries to leave him but he
lovingly persuades her to stay with him until
the spring. While Mimì and Rodolfo reminisce
tenderly, Marcello and Musetta argue bitterly.
ACT IV
THE SPRING
Rodolfo and Marcello are almost destitute,
with neither love nor creature comfort to
soothe them. Still, they try to make the best
of things with Schaunard and Colline. But
when Musetta bursts in, they sense that
things are about to get worse: she has found
Mimì, alone and distraught outside.
While Rodolfo tries to make Mimì
comfortable, the rest of the friends leave to
try to scrape together some basics. Alone
together at last, Mimì can declare her deep
love for Rodolfo. The Bohemians return with
a hand warmer, some medicine and some
money. But they bring too little, too late.
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