By STEVE SMITH [NY Times, 11 September 2006]
In a short behind-the-scenes documentary film screened before the third act of Pucciniís ìBohËmeî during the Opera-for-All celebration at New York City Opera on Friday, the director, James Robinson, called the piece ìdirector-proof.î He was half right. While itís probably true that the stirring passions and sumptuous music in this work can survive all manner of stage treatments, a smart production can definitely heighten the impact of Pucciniís powerful score.