La Bohème

Tue., July 1, 8 p.m., $30-$50 ($10 for lawn seats), Mann Music Center, 5201 Parkside Ave., 215-893-1999, manncenter.org.

by David Shengold

opera

Jessica Griffin (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Moonlight, young love, Puccini and a picnic — what could be better on a July night at the Mann? If you're new to the opera experience, 1896's La Bohème makes for a fresh, amusing, moving introduction. It powers the soundtrack of Moonstruck; it inspired Rent (sorry folks, but Puccini's tunes are better), and it attracts audiences and performers from all over the world. Few of its productions have accompaniment as classy as the Philadelphia Orchestra, whose sound will drift above the Mann's green lawns under the direction of Rossen Milanov. The dynamic conductor has invited Darina Takova, a capable, internationally known soprano from his native Bulgaria, to sing the doomed but amorous Mim." Opposite her as the ardent poet Rodolfo will be AVA-trained tenor Michael Fabiano, not yet 25 but considered a major comer in the opera world (this year he made his debut at Milan's famed La Scala in another Puccini role). The spirited Arianna Zukerman brings her beautiful voice and lively personality to Musetta, the original Material Girl. Should be a great evening under the stars.

Tue., July 1, 8 p.m., $30-$50 ($10 for lawn seats), Mann Music Center, 5201 Parkside Ave., 215-893-1999, manncenter.org.