Eleonora Buratto's Mimì Outshines Set and Direction in Verona's Bohème

In the Arena di Verona's production of Puccini's "La Bohème," directed by Alfonso Signorini, soprano Eleonora Buratto delivers a standout performance as Mimì, overshadowing the production's modest sets and direction. The staging, with a transparent iron-and-glass garret and painted backdrops by Juan Guillermo Nova depicting 1830s Paris, lacks the monumental scale typical of the Arena. Conductor Francesco Lanzillotta leads the Orchestra della Fondazione Arena with a fluid sound emphasizing narrative flow. Buratto's vocal and acting prowess is praised, while her Rodolfo, Yusif Eyvazov, is vocally strong but theatrically less convincing. The second couple, Marcello (Mihai Damian) and Musetta (Francesca Pia Vitale), offers balanced performances. The cast also includes Alexander Roslavets, Jan Antem, Nicolò Ceriani, and Gianfranco Montresor, with the A.LI.VE. children's choir prepared by Paolo Facincani. The production runs for four evenings as part of the Arena's 2026 season.