'LA BOHEME' PULLS YOU IN COMPLETELY WITH TWO EXTREMELY MAGNETIC LEADS.

Byline: >BY DAVID MERMELSTEIN

Been there, done that, you might say about Los Angeles Opera's often-revived production of Puccini's "La Boheme," now on stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the fifth time since 1993. But that would be missing the point, for if you're at all susceptible to this music's heart-on-its-sleeve charms, any solid rendition of the opera brings ample rewards.

When last seen, this staging -- conceived and originally directed by the late Herbert Ross -- boasted superstar singers Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu as Rodolfo and Mimi. That kind of luxury casting can't be topped, so L.A. Opera gives us the next best thing: two promising newcomers, Massimo Giordano, an Italian tenor, and Maija Kovalevska, a Latvian soprano.

Both excel in their vibrant roles, singing with impassioned conviction and, as is becoming increasingly de rigueur these days, looking their parts -- in this case, attractive if underfed 19th-century Parisian artists.

It should not be underestimated just how compelling that strictly visual component can be. Two handsome leads make the love story that much more believable. And a Mimi who could conceivably be dying of consumption makes the opera's conclusion that much more devastating.

But Giordano and Kovalevska are more than just good-looking, compelling actors. Each is an extremely gifted singer. Indeed, Giordano's rich voice was so robust the afternoon I heard it, skeptics could be forgiven wondering if he was artificially amplified -- he wasn't. And Kovalevska had a touching vulnerability lodged within her beguiling high notes.

Baritone Luca Salsi's hale Marcello and soprano Laquita Mitchell's brassy Musetta supported them. They proved fine foils, if less distinguished both as singers and actors than Giordano and Kovalevska.

The company introduces a second cast to these parts starting Dec. 8, to accommodate back-to-back performances of the opera. That second cast includes Virginia Tola, a 2000 Operalia winner, as Mimi and Arturo Chacon-Cruz, a 2005 Operalia winner, as Rodolfo.

L.A. Opera's chorus sounded a little wan this time around, and even their movements, under Stanley Garner's direction, seemed a bit foursquare, but that may be because of this production's familiarity. In general, Garner deserves praise; his direction keeps things moving without calling attention to itself.

In the pit, Placido Domingo, L.A. Opera's general director, led the orchestra dutifully. Though his approach grew more tender as the opera progressed, true inspiration was never achieved. But Harmut Haenchen conducts the lion's share of these performances.

David Mermelstein is a Los Angeles freelance writer.

LA BOHEME - Three stars

>What: Herbert Ross' production of Puccini's best-loved work returns to the L.A. Opera stage with a fresh, young cast.

>Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.

>When: 7:30 tonight, Wednesday and Dec. 8, 11 and 14; 1 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16.

>When: $20 to $238. [phone]. www.laopera.com.

>In a nutshell: With gifted leads, even a familiar production brings tears.