The most popular opera

La bohème is one of the most beloved and performed works in the operatic repertoire. Since 2000 it has been the most often produced by American opera companies with 426 separate productions. Sarasota Opera has included it in 13 seasons. It has been filmed several times, and the story was adapted into the Broadway musical Rent. Scenes from La bohème feature prominently in the movie Moonstruck starring Cher and Nicholas Cage ( and with our own Director of Education Martha Collins as Mimì). 

It's a Story of Young Love and Friendship

Set in 1830s Paris, La bohème follows a group of young artists and dreamers. At its heart is the romance between Rodolfo, a poet, and Mimì, a fragile seamstress. Their love is passionate and tender - and ultimately tragic. 

The Music Is Beautiful and Emotional

Puccini was a master of melody and drama. Even if you're new to opera, you'll likely be moved by:

• Rodolfo's famous aria "Che gelida manina" ("What a cold little hand")
• Mimì's "Sì, mi chiamano Mimì" ("Yes, they call me Mimì")
• Musetta's "Quando m'en vo" in which she teases Marcello as she recounts how people stop and stare at her. An adaptation of this aria as "Don't You Know?" was a popular hit for Della Reese in 1959, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Popular Music Chart.
• The Act III duet and the heartbreaking final scene will elicit tears even from the most hardened opera lover.

Puccini's music instantly conveys feeling and real emotion.

It's About Real People with Real Struggles

Unlike opera about gods or royalty, La bohème is grounded in ordinary life: love, poverty, illness, and loss. These are universal themes that make it deeply relatable and emotionally direct.

It's Short, Tuneful, and Easy to Follow

The opera runs about two hours (excluding intermissions), and the story is straightforward. Most productions have English supertitles, so you won't miss anything.

You are encouraged to dress in whatever way you feel most comfortable. Some people like to make it special by dressing up. Others prefer to be more casual. Opening nights of each opera tend to be a bit more dressy (you will see more tuxes and long dresses) and matinees a bit more casual.  

One suggestion: it does tend to be cool in the theater (especially in the orchestra section) and so a sweater or wrap might be helpful.

There is limited on-street parking near the Sarasota Opera House. There are several parking garages in close proximity to the theater, including the Palm Avenue Garage (1289 N. Palm Ave.) which is directly behind the Sarasota Opera House.

Valet parking is also available for all evening and weekend matinee performances. Valet parking is complimentary for subscribers and donors. Otherwise the cost is $10.

For more information please visit https://www.sarasotaopera.org/parking.

The subject of La bohème is about the relationship of poor students and should be suitable for teenagers and adults. For all operas, we suggest parents review the story of the opera before bringing children to the performance. 

The historic Sarasota Opera House is in downtown Sarasota at 61 N. Pineapple Street. 

For detailed directions, please visit https://www.sarasotaopera.org/directions.

There are concessions at the Opera House which sell a variety of beverages, snacks, and sandwiches.  The lobby is open 1 hour and 15 minutes before a performance, and the courtyard is open 1 hour and 45 minutes before a performance. We encourage you to come early to enjoy refreshments. No food or drink are allowed inside the auditorium.