La bohème at Century II Concert Hall

ACT I. Christmas Eve. An apartment in Paris' Latin Quarter



In their apartment, the near-destitute artist Marcello and poet Rodolfo try to keep warm by burning pages from Rodolfo’s latest drama. They are soon joined by their roommates: Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, fuel, and funds he has collected from an eccentric student. While they celebrate their unexpected windfall, their landlord, Benoit, arrives demanding the rent. After a few drinks, the older man begins to boast of his flirtations. The four friends throw him out in mock indignation at his infidelity to his wife.



As his friends depart to celebrate at Café Momus, Rodolfo remains behind to finish an article, but promises to join them later. There is another knock at the door—the visitor is Mimì, a pretty neighbor, whose candle has gone out in the drafty stairway. As she enters the room she suddenly feels faint. Rodolfo gives her a sip of wine, then helps her to the door and relights her candle.



Mimì realizes she lost her key when she fainted and, as the two search for it, both candles are blown out. Rodolfo finds the key and slips it into his pocket. In the moonlight, he takes Mimì’s hand and tells her about his dreams. She recounts her life alone in a lofty garret, embroidering flowers and waiting for the spring. Happy to have found each other, Mimì and Rodolfo leave arm in arm for the café.



ACT II. Outside Café Momus



Amid the shouts of street vendors near the Café Momus, Rodolfo buys Mimì a bonnet and introduces her to his friends. They all sit down and order supper. A toy vendor, Parpignol, passes by, surrounded by shouting children. Marcello’s former lover, Musetta, makes a noisy entrance on the arm of the elderly but wealthy Alcindoro. The ensuing commotion reaches its peak when, trying to gain Marcello’s attention, she loudly sings the praises of her own popularity. Sending Alcindoro off on an errand, she falls into Marcello’s arms. Soldiers march by the café, and the friends make their exit under cover of the crowd, leaving the bill behind for Alcindoro when he returns.



ACT III. The city gates of Paris



At dawn on the outskirts of Paris, a customs official examines farm women entering the city. Guests are heard carousing in a nearby tavern. Mimì arrives, searching for Marcello. She wants to confide in him of her distress over Rodolfo’s jealousy. She believes it is best that they part. Rodolfo, who has been asleep in the tavern, comes outside. Mimì hides nearby, though Marcello thinks she has left.



Rodolfo tells his friend that he wants to separate from Mimì, blaming her flirtatiousness. Pressed for the real reason, he breaks down, saying that her health can only grow worse in the poverty they share. Overcome with emotion, Mimì comes forward to say farewell. Marcello runs back into the tavern upon hearing Musetta’s laughter. While Mimì and Rodolfo recall past happiness, Marcello returns with Musetta, quarreling about her flirting with a customer. They hurl insults at each other and part, but Mimì and Rodolfo decide to remain together until spring.



ACT IV. Months later in Rodolfo's apartment



Rodolfo and Marcello, now both separated from their girlfriends, reflect on their loneliness. Colline and Schaunard arrive with a meager meal. The four friends make merry until Musetta bursts in with news that Mimì is outside, too weak to climb the stairs. As Rodolfo runs to help, Musetta relates how Mimì begged to be taken to Rodolfo to die. They make Mimì as comfortable as possible; then, Musetta and Marcello go to sell her earrings for medicine, and Colline leaves to pawn his overcoat.



Left alone, Mimì and Rodolfo recall their happy days together, but she is seized with violent coughing. When the others return, Musetta gives Mimì a muff to warm her hands and prays for her life. Mimì slowly drifts into unconsciousness. Schaunard finally realizes that she has died and Rodolfo, distraught, calls out her name.