One of the most beloved operas of all time is coming to Columbus. Puccini’s La Boheme will be presented Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.

The bittersweet tragedy is played out in four acts and focuses on the story of four best friends sharing an apartment in Paris while struggling to survive as artists. The friends face adversities aplenty, and struggle with one of life’s biggest challenges – true love.

The widely-acclaimed Broadway rock musical Rent is based extensively on Puccini’s La Boheme, incorporating musical themes, lyrics and plot events.

This production will be sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Puccini’s beautiful melodies provide an intimate experience with this story about heartbreak, loss and the immeasurable power of love. Playing one of the leads, Mimi, is opera veteran Xiu Ying Li.

The Chinese-born soprano has graced Columbus’ stage before, and has performed all over the world, notably as Cio-Cio San, another lead role in Madame Butterfly.

She took some time out from her tour to talk to CityScene about the role of Mimi and her return to Columbus, as Opera Columbus gets ready to embark upon another successful and impressive season.

CityScene: When did you start singing opera and what was your first big production?
Xiu Ying Li: In 1998, I sang my first opera, which was La Boheme, with the Budapest Opera. I sang Musetta, not Mimi. I always think each opera I have sung in is my big production.

CS: You’ve played the lead in Madame Butterfly. What will be different in your character presentation of Mimi with this role, in La Boheme?
Xiu Ying Li: The story of Mimi and Cio-Cio San are very different. I will prepare myself as Mimi from her lifestyle and character to show all the differences from Cio-Cio San.

CS: What can Columbus audiences look forward to for this production? Why should they be excited to see it?
Xiu Ying Li: I am sure all the Columbus audiences that come to the opera productions want to hear and see the best. In this opera, you will enjoy both.

CS: Personally, what is your favorite part of La Boheme?
Xiu Ying Li: It’s always a hard question for me to choose what my favorite part is of La Boheme because each act has its own moment and each moment has its own special meaning about life. I really enjoy the bigger drama of love and the small detail about life in this opera.

CS: What can we expect from you in your career in the future? Do you think you’ll return to Columbus?
Xiu Ying Li: I want to continue singing and sharing what I have on stage. I am looking forward to singing for Opera Columbus many times in the future!

For more information about La Boheme and the Opera Columbus season, or for tickets, visit www.operacolumbus.org or call 614-469-0939.