Hawaii Opera Theatre wraps up its 50th season with the ever-popular "La Boheme," a drama about the heart-wrenching realities of love and loss that's filled with humor, fast-moving action and the powerful melodies of Giacomo Puccini.

The first of three shows is tonight at Blaisdell Concert Hall. "La Boheme" debuted more than a century ago and is second in opera popularity only to another Puccini masterpiece, "Madama Butterfly."

The opera takes place in the Latin Quarter of 1830s Paris, telling the story of a poor poet and his friends.

"This story centers around struggling artists who push their limits in love and life," said Karen Tiller, stage director. "It's also about the fun of living life on the edge as well as the regrettable consequences that go along with that. 'Boheme' touches the full range of emotions."

Derek Taylor, who appeared in "La Boheme" for several other opera companies last year, plays Rodolfo. Russian native Olga Cherinsheva makes her HOT stage debut as his love interest, Mimi. Evelyn Pollock, who is Taylor's real-life spouse, appears as Musetta. She is pursued by Marcello (Etienne Dupruis), and John Marcus Bindel is Colline.