Act I

On a freezing Christmas Eve in Paris’s Latin Quarter, impoverished poet Rodolfo and his equally indigent friend, the artist Marcello attempt to warm their garret by burning Rodolfo’s latest play.  Colline the philosopher arrives, swathed in his overcoat, stamping and steaming in the cold. They are joined by the jubilant Schaunard, a musician who is flush with riches—food, wood, and coin—having just come from a lucrative job, and he is eager to tell the tale. They are interrupted by the arrival of the landlord, Benoit, whom they deftly get rid of, while holding onto their cash. The friends decide to spend the evening celebrating at the Café Momus. Rodolfo insists he will join them later and settles in to write. His reverie is disturbed by a knock at the door—his pretty neighbor, Mimi, is there, asking him to light her candle. Charmed, Rodolfo invites her in. Suddenly, Mimi swoons, and in an effort to revive her, Rodolfo offers her a glass of wine, while she catches her breath. As she is about to leave, the draft from the door blows out both of the candles and Mimi realizes that she has lost her key. The two fumble around for it and their hands meet in the dark. A fire is ignited—but it isn’t their candles. Quietly, they share their hopes and dreams, and then, arm and arm, head out into the Paris streets to join Rodolfo’s friends at the Café Momus.

Act II:

The streets of Paris swirl and sparkle with snow and passersby purchasing last minute gifts from the street vendors. Rodolfo buys a rose-colored bonnet for Mimi and ushers her into the café to introduce her to his friends. As the group joyfully order everything the menu has to offer, the tables begin to buzz at the arrival of Musetta, Marcello’s erstwhile girlfriend, trailing her latest elderly (but very wealthy) “companion,” Alcindoro. Marcello studiously ignores her, but Musetta has other plans, stopping the show with her ostentatiously flirtatious paean to her popularity. Once she has Marcello’s undivided attention, Musetta rids herself of Alcindoro and throws herself into Marello’s arms. The party of friends join the crowd as they cheer for a passing parade of soldiers, sticking the bill to Alcindoro as they fade into the night.

Act III:

It is dawn at the edge of the city.  As the day slowly begins and the gates open, Musetta is heard singing in a nearby tavern. Mimi hurries into the inn’s yard, seeking Marcello and Musetta in their new home. Marcello leaves the tavern and Mimi rushes to him in a torrent of distress over her troubles with Rodolfo—she thinks that they should separate. Rodolfo is heard in the tavern—he has been staying with Marcello and Musetta. Mimi retreats into the shadows. Marcello, thinking she has gone talks with Rodolfo who at first blusters that he is leaving Mimi because she is a flirt, but then confides that it is really because he fears that her health is deteriorating and because of their poverty he can do nothing for her. Mimi has heard everything and overwhelmed with emotion, emerges to wish him a heartfelt goodbye. Marcello leaves them to it, only to follow Musetta from the tavern. They carry on a furious quarrel as Rodolfo and Mimi decide to remain lovers—at least until the spring.

Act IV:

It is spring and both Rodolfo and Marcello are single and living once again in their Latin Quarter garret. Each is trying to move on from their former loves, but struggling with their loneliness. As before, Colline and Schaunard arrive to share a meal. Cheered by each other’s company, the young men begin to roughhouse—ended only by the sudden appearance of a desperate Musetta who tells them that she has brought Mimi, but the poor girl is too weak to climb the stairs—she wanted to see Rodolfo before she died. The friends settle Mimi into the only bed and consider what is to be done.  Colline leaves to pawn his overcoat and Marcello and Musetta disappear to sell her earrings in the desperate hope that they will be able to afford a doctor and medicine. Schaunard steps away to give Rodolfo and Mimi some time alone. The two recollect their love and their happiness, but Mimi is overcome with coughing. The friends all return and Musetta gives Mimi a muff to warm her hands, telling her it is from Rodolfo. Mimi smiles and chides him for spending too much. Quietly, she passes away. The friends grieve as Rodolfo collapses at her side, sobbing her name.