A world-class production of Puccini’s La Bohème at the San Francisco Opera
By Bruce Bellingham

It promises to be an exquisite production of an opera that charms nearly everyone again and again. This year La Bohème features a first-rate cast, headed by Polish tenor Piotr Beczala (he was Tamino in 2007’s The Magic Flute), and Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu (Magda in 2007’s La Rondine). Gheorghiu has dazzled millions with the richness of her voice and the depth of her grown-up acting abilities.

Nicola Luisotti, San Francisco Opera’s music director, conducts Puccini’s most endearing opera. Yes, starving artists fall in and out of love in 19th-century Paris. It’s sexy, it’s sad and it’s sweet.

Gheorghiu’s Mimi has been described as a rare experience on the operatic stage.
This month’s performances are on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. Nov 25 at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. Check with the opera for any cast changes and more information.

La Bohème: San Francisco War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue (at Grove), Nov. 16–Dec. 7, tickets available at the box office, Monday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., 415-864-3330, www.sfopera.com