“Opera forever struggles to be cool, and will as long as its stars struggle with their weight. But Washington National Opera’s season-opening La Bohème, a new production that will be simulcast to educational institutions is such a fashion slave that it borders on apologizing for the art form… This production is so uncharacteristic of American opera, it’s a case of bait and switch. Operatic appreciation is fostered through opera. To love it is to accept its quirks – and chins.”