Opera Australia has had a remarkably successful season this year and for their last production of the regular season, they have chosen a classic in Puccini’s La Boheme to see off the year (although with the musical Rent following this production, it feels very much like a double bill given that Rent shares a very similar storyline and themes). With many of Opera Australia’s productions this season taking a daring or contemporary reading of the original source material, Director Gale Edwards has taken a much more classical view of this work, paying due respect to the beauty of Puccini’s score, with a setting change to 1930s Berlin being the biggest shift. 

The production follows the tragic love story of Rodolfo and Mimi, who come across each other by chance before the latter becomes stricken with illness. They are supported by a group of young bohemians with painter Marcello forming a salacious romance with Musetta, which provides a lot of the comic relief towards the middle of the production. But ultimately, this is a production that ends in heartbreak with Mimi falling victim to her illness, and Rodolfo standing over her body as the curtain falls. 

La Boheme is a work that is heavily dependent on the strength of its leads and Kang Wang and Olivia Cranwell were absolutely astounding as Rodolfo and Mimi respectively. Wang in particular gave a jaw-dropping, world-class performance displaying incredible lyricism in his upper register as he latched onto Puccini’s soaring lines. His performance was truly riveting, displaying a mastery of his craft that was a true pleasure to watch. The audience recognised this, giving him one of the lengthiest mid-show ovations during the first act that I have seen at the Joan Sutherland Theatre. It truly was worth the price of admission alone. 

Cranwell was also incredibly strong, with a rich, powerful interpretation of Mimi, combining a sparkling tone with dramatic nuance, especially as the production reached its crescendo towards the end of the second act. Wang and Cranwell were ably supported by David Parkin, who was in fine voice as usual alongside Luke Gabbedy as Marcello and Rachelle Durkin as Musetta, who displayed acting prowess alongside superb vocals. 

The move to 1930s Berlin allowed for a level of opulence in the set design which translated very well to the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage. Set designer Brian Thomson and costume designer Julie Lynch created a world befitting of the spectacle of the opera and that is to be commended. The set was well supported by the lighting of John Rayment, which was used to great dramatic effect in pivotal moments. 

The Opera Australia Orchestra, led by Erina Yashima, was fabulous as always, moving symbiotically with the action on stage and giving life and voice to Puccini’s beautiful score. A special shoutout must also go to the Children’s Chorus, who did a fantastic job in this production. 

Overall, this was a superb production displaying the highest levels of musicality and stagecraft to give life to the ultimate operatic love story. La Boheme is a truly exquisite work and Kang Wang and Olivia Cranwell gave career-defining performances to truly give voice to this fantastic production. While Opera Australia’s innovation has been impressive and welcomed, this production is testament to the fact that the classics still draw a strong crowd, evidenced by the rapturous reception on opening night for the company. This is a musical masterclass and a manifestation of the operatic form that explores every element of the work with technical surety and flourish. A production not to miss. 

Rating: ★★★★★

La Boheme plays at the Joan Sutherland Theatre until 20^th September. For more information, click here.

All photo credits: Keith Saunders