OBSERVER: La Boheme

Key points

• Opera Australia is staging a new production of Puccini's opera La Bohème at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne from November 7 to 18. It is the company's first new mainstage version of the work in 15 years.
• Set in 20th century Paris, the production features hand-painted scenery, flying balloon effects and costumes made in-house. Melbourne-born soprano Alexandra Flood will sing Musetta during a homecoming season.
• Finnegan Downie Dear makes his Opera Australia debut as conductor, leading Orchestra Victoria and the company's choruses.