La Bohème
by Austin Opera

Apr. 30 - May. 03
Thursday-Sunday

One of the most beloved operas of all time! Puccini's La bohème follows the lives of young people living in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Puccini’s soaring, aching melodies perfectly capture the emotion of every moment, from the exhilaration of young love at first sight to the story’s heartbreaking conclusion. 

Called “the world’s favorite opera” by The Washington Post, La bohème follows four young artists struggling to make ends meet while chasing their dreams. The passionate bohemians living in the Latin Quarter of Paris are determined their bonds of friendship will sustain them… until love complicates everything. The poet Rodolfo (tenors Joshua Blue and Demetrious Sampson, Jr) falls head over heels for seamstress Mimi (sopranos Brittany Olivia Logan and Maria Brea, both making Austin Opera debuts), who lights up his world as soon as she enters the room, while painter Marcello (baritone Troy Cook) is once again hypnotized by Musetta (soprano Jasmine Habersham in her Austin Opera debut) when her voice fills the cafe.

As the chilly air is filled with love, all seems to be joy and laughter. But the realities of poverty and illness threaten to break their bohemian spirit. Puccini’s soaring, aching melodies perfectly capture the emotion of every moment, from the exhilaration of young love at first sight to the story’s heartbreaking conclusion.

Austin native Eboni Adams makes her company debut as director of La bohème. A multidisciplinary artist, she has worked alongside Celine Dion, Cirque du Soleil and the Los Angeles Opera, among others. As a choreographer and assistant director, she has collaborated with esteemed opera companies like Cincinnati Opera, Dallas Opera, and Washington National Opera. Sarah & Ernest Butler Music Director Timothy Myers leads the Austin Opera Orchestra & Chorus.

Tenor Joshua Blue, who last appeared with Austin Opera as Scaramuccio in Ariadne auf Naxos, returns for three performances (April 30, May 1, May 3) as Rodolfo, a role for which he has earned rave reviews with Opera Philadelphia, the Glimmerglass Festival, and English National Opera. Rising tenor Demetrious Sampson, Jr., sings the role of Rodolfo on Saturday, May 2. Praised for her “irresistible power and consummate control” (Washington Classical Review), California native soprano Brittany Olivia Logandebuts as Mimì for three performances (April 30, May 1, May 3), with rising Venezuelan-American soprano Maria Brea singing the role on Saturday, May 2.

Baritone Troy Cook, praised for his “strong, well-rounded portrayal of Marcello” (Opera News), returns to Austin Opera, where he impressed as Father Palmer in the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Silent Night by Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell. Making her Austin Opera debut as Marcello’s love, Musetta, is American soprano Jasmine Habersham, a versatile and dynamic performing artist whose voice has been hailed as “exquisite” by Broadway World and possessing a “well-controlled, silvery tone” by Opera Today.

Dive into La bohème at the Tetzlaff and Tiblier Conductor Cues with Timothy Myers and Austin Opera Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Charles Carson at KMFA Studios on Monday, April 13, at 7:00 pm. Hear insights and live performances from cast members accompanied by pianist Gloria Kim. Advance tickets are $25.

Austin Opera is partnering with the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce for its first ever dedicated Pride Night. A special pre-show mixer will take place on Friday, May 1, at 6:30 pm at the Long Center.

Complimentary pre-show events for ticket holders include Trivia Night on Thursday, April 30, at 6:30 pm; Opera Overtures with special guests on Saturday, May 2, at 6:30 pm; and Coffee & Conversations on Sunday, May 3, at 1:00 pm. More information about all pre-opera events can be found at austinopera.org.

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La Bohème
by Giacomo Puccini
Austin Opera

April 30  - May 3, 2026

Dell Hall, Long Center, Austin

Tickets via www.austinopera.org