Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre will play host to a production of one of the most romantic operas of all time, Puccini’s La Bohème – presented in conjunction with Irish National Opera.

The limited run of five shows takes place from Monday 20 November to Sunday 26 November. Performing in this unforgettable story of youth, love and bohemian 1930s Parisian life is Irish star soprano Celine Byrne as Mimì, and Sarah Brady as Musetta. Lithuanian tenor Merūnas Vitulskis will play Rodolfo, with Sergio Alapont behind the podium.

Adding to the magic of the spectacular live event is the Irish National Opera Orchestra, the Irish National Opera Chorus and vibrant Children’s Chorus.

The brand-new production is directed by Orpha Phelan and designed by Nicky Shaw, with lighting design by Matt Haskins - the same team behind the ebullient Don Pasquale and the magical and unforgettable Cinderella in 2019.

Widely regarded as Puccini’s best-loved opera, La Bohème is a touching, comic and romantic tale of deep bonds being formed in the face of adversity. Paris has always been a Mecca for creatives and romantics alike, as well as the perfect back drop for love and romance.

In the aftermath of the first world war, the French capital attracted an array of legendary artists, including Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Man Ray, Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce – it’s from this unrivalled creative atmosphere which the Bohemians are plucked.

The interwar years, or “Crazy Years” as they were known, also came with a sense of optimism. The period poignantly mirrors Mimi and Rodolfo’s love - initially blossoming with hope, but ultimately doomed by misfortune.

“Opera lovers will cast their minds back to March 2021 when we historically livestreamed a concert of La bohème for the very first time from our stage,” says Stephen Faloon, General Manager of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

“While the streamed concert proved to be a huge hit, there is nothing quite like seeing this full production in all its glory live on stage where it belongs. We are committed to growing our long-standing partnership with Irish National Opera, and together we look forward to bringing you more wonderful opera productions in the years to come.”

Dramatic, touching and evocative, Puccini’s sublime music is set to provide a thrilling and unforgettable operatic experience.

“La bohème is a story of youth, idealism, art, poetry and love in the romantic setting of Paris. The characters are intoxicated with life and full of optimism,” explains INO’s Artistic Director Fergus Sheil.

“Their carefree existence, however, eventually runs out of road. Love turns to suspicion; passion gives way to jealousy and poverty leads to illness. Each character tries in vain to hold on to a dream that vanishes.”

“La bohème - possibly the greatest opera ever written. Why? Because of Puccini’s starting point: real people. Just like us, they struggle to find their way, they fall in love, and they fight for what they hold dear,” adds director Orpha Phelan.

“When we see them, we see ourselves. Like life, this opera veers from laugh-out-loud scenes to moments of utter heartbreak and is as magical for the first-time opera goer as it is for an aficionado.”

Tickets to this breathtaking production of Puccini’s La Bohème begin from €35.50 and are available now via the following link: https://bit.ly/BohemeHotPress.

For more details see www.bordgáisenergytheatre.ie.