La Bohème

Learning Resources for middle and high school classrooms

We are excited to give teachers and students a glimpse into the story, music and images of Lyric’s 2025 production of La Bohème. The presentation below serves to prepare classes for the performance experience. It can be used as a quick reference or a longer study guide with prompts for deeper consideration both before and after coming to the theater. Those prompts are also included in the pdf below, providing a full page of reflection questions following the field trip.

This slide deck contains:

A list of characters
A summary of the story
Literary and artistic themes
Listening examples
About the writers
Discussion prompts

Click on the three dots on the bottom left corner of the deck to expand to a full-screen view.

Slide deck

Articles

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Get to know: Puccini’s “La Bohème”

La Bohème seamlessly captures the essence of young love, artistic passion, and the bittersweet nature of life’s fleeting joys. Learn more about the iconic opera that has remained in the hearts of opera lovers since its premiere in 1896 and see it live March 15 through April 12, 2025.

by Gloria Groom

True Colors: Women and la vie bohème

A selection of 19th-century works from the collection of the Art Institute illuminates Puccini’s conception of bohemian life — and reveals the unsung contexts of the lives of the leading ladies of "La Bohème."

Feast on Opera

In recent seasons, Lyric audiences have traveled down the Amazon River alongside Florencia Grimaldi in Florencia en el Amazonas (2021/22), walked along the streets of 19th century Paris with Mimì and Rodolfo in La Bohème (2018/19), witnessed the splendor of the gingerbread house in Hansel and Gretel (2022/23), and seen 17th century Rome come to life in Tosca (2021/22). What unites all of these different stories? Food! Maria DeFabo Akin, Lyric’s Production Design Director provides a behind-the-scenes look at how delicious meals and extravagant feasts are prepared for Lyric’s stage.

Spotlight on Ailyn Pérez

Ailyn Pérez has a heartstoppingly beautiful voice. It’s a glowing, full-toned lyric soprano, produced with sovereign technique and abundant artistry, so that it seems to draw every person who hears her into an embrace. She combines that sound with a warm, gracious, utterly natural stage presence that illuminates every character she plays.

Opera on Broadway: La Bohème vs. Rent

Whether you’re an opera lover or a Broadway fanatic, you’ve probably heard by now that Jonathan Larson’s 1996 musical Rent was loosely based on Puccini’s 1896 opera La Bohème. But if that’s news to you, don’t worry! Let us walk you through the similarities… (some spoilers ahead!)

Q&A with Gabriella Reyes

In this exclusive Q&A, Gabriella Reyes delves into her evolving portrayal of Musetta, her heartfelt connection with Chicago audiences, and the joys and challenges of switching between the complex characters of Musetta and Mimì. Her reflections reveal a profound understanding of her craft and the intense emotions that fuel her performances. Whether discussing her favorite moments on stage or balancing the demands of a dynamic career, Gabriella's passion and dedication to opera are unmistakable.

Discussion prompts

Click here to access the post-performance discussion and reflection questions PDF!

Music Credit: The music featured is generously furnished by Warner Classics.