Yes, I was aware of that when I posted it, but I couldn't resist the cheap laugh, as well as the paradox.
I would liken us to La Bohème, at the moment, dying (Mimi) of consumption in our tiny garrett. Go and see that Godders, hang the price, it will be worth every penny. O soave fanciulla, the last few bars of which are sung off stage, will bring tears to your eyes. [video=youtube;t0-1sQ0XOGE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0-1sQ0XOGE[/video]
I saw La Bohème at Torre del Lago Puccini one summer many years ago as part of the annual festival that takes place in the open air by the lake and close to Puccini's home. We paid a visit to the great master's house as well. It seemed very strange to be sitting in the open air on a balmy Italian summer evening watching an opera set in a very cold and snowy Paris. The very lovely Mrs Godder's hands were far from frozen but I think she was very much in love and before anyone asks she was in love with me as Morgan was not even born all those years ago. How long do you think it will be before Joey tells us all that he too has been to the Opera at Torre del Lago Puccini?
Have no fear PompeyMeowth in the last act of your version before Schaunard can say " Marcello, she's dead." she is saved by a very rich benefactor who has brought along a very strong dose of medicine to save the day.
Ha! Now I think about it, it's like Turandot as well. Who can solve the riddle? Ping, Pang and Pong had far too much of an influence on proceedings.
Like many in Turandot poor old Pompey look like they will lose their head and their supporters cannot sleep worrying about the name of their next benefactor and whether (s)he exists (must be PC these days) but unusually for opera it all comes good in the end but then Puccini did not write the ending. I wonder who will write the ending for poor old Pompey?