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Synopsis

A musical based on La boheme. The musical updates the plot to modern day New York where a community of East Village dwellers battle to fulfil their aspirations against the tide of reality. The show opened off Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop in February 1996 for a two month run before transferring to the Nederlander. 35 year old Jonathan Larson never lived to see the success of the musical, dying of an aortic aneurysm shortly after the final dress rehearsal. Winner of four 1996 Tony Awards, (including Best Musical), the film rights were snapped up by Robert de Niro and Miramax.

Our Review:

10 December 2002

Jonathan Larson's musical about a group of New Yorkers and their struggle with poverty, Aids, life, love and each other returns to the West End exactly a year after its last run.

Director Paul Kerryson has brought back many of his previous company for the show, including the excellent Damien Flood and Debbie Kurup as reluctant lovers Roger and Mimi, and the incredible vocal talent of Mykal Rand as Tom Collins.

Last time it was former Coronation Street actor turned pop star, Adam Rickett, who provided the celebrity billing, playing Roger's flatmate and wannabe film-maker Mark. Now, he's been replaced by superb young newcomer Dougal Irvine while supermodel Caprice heads the bill as bisexual performance artist Maureen.

Those who know the show will be aware that the success of the story hardly stands or falls on Maureen's character, but it would be churlish not to rate the model's performance. As an actress she's adequate, and for one...

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Latest User Review

Viv Haughton - 23 July 2010:

I remember this show and it was awesome, the cast rocked, the band rocked, please bring them back ...

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