THE METROPOLITAN OPERA

That was my takeaway. This act is the core of the opera, when the lovers Mimì and Rodolfo (the beguiling soprano Ailyn Pérez and the robust tenor Matthew Polenzani), agree to stop quarreling and remain together at least until spring comes, though this is a stopgap: Rodolfo, knowing that Mimì is gravely ill, feels helpless and panicked. The falling snowflakes and dusky background still suggest a hazy dawn in winter. But on Friday you could see the expressions on the faces of the singers, and their voices came through with bloom and directness. Scrims, an easy way to suggest murky atmosphere, are too often resorted to in opera productions. Good riddance to this one.

CRITIC’S PICK

—The New York Times

Although Franco Zeffirelli’s 1981 staging is the most-performed production in Met history, the cast (Ailyn Pérez, Matthew Polenzani, Olga Kulchynskaya, David Bizic, Andrey Zhilikovsky, Jongmin Park, and Arthur Woodley) was well-nigh perfect in singing and acting. They, under the expert conducting of Marco Armiliato and the outstanding stage direction of Gregory Keller, made me feel as I was seeing this opera and production for the first time when, in fact, I have seen it more than 100 times!

BEST REVIVAL OF 2019

—WQXR/Operavore

For this revival, Gregory Keller directed the production which saw it’s performers through a myriad of comedic, animated interactions without falling into slapstick humor….The evening’s performance had much to enjoy from the spirited cast of artists as their passion carried them through their numbers in ways that were often captivating to watch. Returning to the role in which made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1996, Roberto Alagna powerfully showcased the fruits of his maturing since, making for an irresistible night of Puccini’s tragically-beautiful work.

—OperaWire

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Conductor: Marco Armiliato / Yannick Nézet-Séguin (NYE Gala)

Production: Franco Zeffirelli

Set designer: Franco Zeffirell

Costume designer: Peter J. Hall

Lighting designer: Gil Wechsler

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Mimì: Ailyn Pérez / Hei-Kyung Hong / Anna Netrebko (NYE) / Maria Agresta

Rodolfo: Matthew Polenzani / Roberto Alagna

Musetta: Olga Kulchysnka / Jacqueline Echols / Susanna Phillips

Marcello: David Bizic / Quinn Kelsey (NYE) / Artur Rucinski

Schaunard: Andrey Khiilkovsky / Davide Luciano (NYE) / Elliot Madore

Colline: Jongmin Park / Christian Van Horn (NYE)

Benoit/Alcindoro: .Arthur Woodley / Donald Maxwell

Parpignol: Marco Jordao

Sergeant: Jonathan Scott

Officer: Yohan Yi

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October 25, 30

November 5, 9, 17, 21 2019

New Year’s Eve Gala - December 31, 2019 — with Anna Netrebko and Matthew Polenzani

January 9, 12, 17, 21, 25 2020