Murger’s bohemian Paris finds its original soul in Ruggero Leoncavallo’s version. While Puccini’s masterpiece became a global staple, Leoncavallo’s La Bohème, premiered in 1897, was largely forgotten. Teatro Regio di Torino now offers the rare chance to see Marcello, Rodolfo, and Musetta from a different perspective—closer to the original text, more realistic, and driven by the visceral passion for which the composer of Pagliacci is famous.
Directed by Francesco Micheli and conducted by Andrea Battistoni, this production highlights a score that shifts rapidly from playful “pastiche” to intense dramatic heat. Opera buffs will note the vocal role reversal: here, Rodolfo is a baritone (Alessandro Luongo) and Marcello a tenor (Matteo Lippi). With Francesca Dotto as Mimì and Anna Goryachova as Musetta, this production is a highlight for anyone seeking to explore the hidden depths of Italian Verismo.
Plot of La Bohème
The story opens on Christmas Eve 1837 at Café Momus. The destitute friends—the poet Rodolfo, the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard, and the philosopher Colline—celebrate despite their debts. Here, the dynamics are established: Marcello is in love with the spirited Musetta, while Rodolfo loses his heart to Mimì. Unlike Puccini’s version, this Mimì is portrayed with a stronger longing for luxury, which fuels the coming conflict. The tone is initially light, filled with humor, pranks, and the carefree vibe of the Parisian Latin Quarter.
A year later, the atmosphere has darkened. Poverty has stifled their joy. Musetta and Marcello have split due to mutual jealousy and financial strain. Mimì has left Rodolfo to seek security with a wealthy lover. However, illness (tuberculosis) has already taken hold. In the final act, a dying Mimì returns to her old friends in Rodolfo’s bleak attic. As the group gathers to comfort her in her final moments, the harsh reality of bohemian life is felt without any romantic gilding. Mimì passes away just as the clock strikes to announce the new year.
Cast and Creative Team of La Bohème
Lyric comedy in four acts
Music by Ruggero Leoncavallo
Libretto by Ruggero Leoncavallo
based on from the novel Scènes de la vie de bohème by Henri Murger
World premiere: Venice, Teatro La Fenice, 06.05.1897
Overtitles in Italian/English
New staging Teatro Regio Torino
Conductor • Andrea Battistoni
Director • Francesco Micheli
Sets • Davide Signorini
Costumes • Giada Masi
Lights • Gianni Bertoli
Choreography • Matteo Ceccarelli
Dramaturgy • Michele Panella
Chorus master • Gea Garatti Ansini
Orchestra and Chorus Teatro Regio Torino
Marcello • Matteo Lippi, Arseny Yakovlev
Musetta • Anna Goryachova, Lamia Beuque
Rodolfo • Alessandro Luongo, Mario Cassi
Mimì • Francesca Dotto, Sara Cortolezzis
Schaunard • Simone Del Savio, Ramiro Maturana
Colline • Francesco Salvadori, Alfonso Mujica
Barbemuche • Matteo Peirone
Il visconte Paolo • Pablo Gálvez
Eufemia • Manuela Custer
Gaudenzio • Manuel Pierattelli
Durand • Roberto Covatta
Un becero • Nicola Pamio
Un signore • Adrian Autard
Booking Process
Music trip to Turin for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “La Bohème”. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the renowned Teatro Regio on the second evening to experience a spectacular performance in a historic setting with international stars. You can choose between the Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:
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Puccini wasn't the only one: Ruggero Leoncavallo created his own gripping setting of Murger's "Scènes de la vie de bohème." Teatro Regio presents this rarity as part of its Verismo project.
Puccini wasn't the only one: Ruggero Leoncavallo created his own gripping setting of Murger's "Scènes de la vie de bohème." Teatro Regio presents this rarity as part of its Verismo project.
Puccini wasn't the only one: Ruggero Leoncavallo created his own gripping setting of Murger's "Scènes de la vie de bohème." Teatro Regio presents this rarity as part of its Verismo project.
Puccini wasn't the only one: Ruggero Leoncavallo created his own gripping setting of Murger's "Scènes de la vie de bohème." Teatro Regio presents this rarity as part of its Verismo project.
Puccini wasn't the only one: Ruggero Leoncavallo created his own gripping setting of Murger's "Scènes de la vie de bohème." Teatro Regio presents this rarity as part of its Verismo project.
In Turin at The Regio
