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Written by Dean M Shapiro Thursday, 12 March 2009 11:13
Show Reviews
It is one of the best-known operas in the standard repertoire . . . and one of the most scandalous. Though considered tame by contemporary standards, in its time -- the strait-laced Victorian Age in which it premiered -- it was shocking for its sexual implications and its all-too-real realism.The story is set in Seville, Spain, roughly between 1820 and 1830, and centers around the title character, Carmen, whose temper is as fiery as her passion. Flirtatious and sensuous, she seduces a young, inexperienced soldier, Don José, and leads him down the path of ruin. He breaks up with his fiancée, mutinies against his commanding officer, deserts his regiment, turns to a criminal life, and finally, out of insane jealousy, murders Carmen when she rejects him for the renowned toréador (bullfighter) Escamillo.
Carmen is unique among operas, in that it was composed for a mezzo-soprano (alto) female voice (most operatic leading roles for women are in the soprano range). Singing the title role in the New Orleans Opera production is Rinat Shaham, the Israeli-born mezzo who has performed as Carmen all over the world, most recently in New Zealand and at England's prestigious Glyndebourne Festival. She has also sung other leading roles in other top-rated venues, including New York City Opera, London's Covent Garden and the Berlin State Opera.
Complimenting her in the role of Don Jose is Mexican tenor Fernando de la Mora, who debuted at the most prestigious opera house in America, New York's Metropolitan Opera, in 1993 as Rodolfo in Puccini's La Bohème. Rounding out the major roles are soprano Sarah Jane McMahon as Micaela, Don Jose's broken-hearted ex-fiancée, and Mark Schnaible as Escamillo.
New Orleans Opera Association General Director Robert Lyall conducts the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and veteran Stage Director David Morelock coordinates the action onstage. Carol Rausch leads the New Orleans Opera Chorus, costumes are designed by Charlotte Lang, and the set was designed and constructed under the supervision of G. Alan Rusnak at NOOA's H. Lloyd Hawkins Scenic Studio in Metairie. Lighting is by Don Damutzer.
For tickets and information call 529-2278 or 529-3000 or visit www.neworleansopera.org
Sponsored by Freeport McMoRan Foundation.
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