WOW! And WOW again for the superb Vancouver Opera production of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen.” They didn’t just think outside the box — they re-invented the box. Thanks to Gary McCann’s incredible set and costume esign, we are brought into the rough world of Seville and the its working class people.
The Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage was transformed into a breathtaking expanse, allowing the audience to experience the fervor of Bizet’s masterpiece. You were easily transported to Seville and the infamous cigarette factory where Carmen and her friends laboured and with the outstanding cast, including the superlative Jonelle Sills as Micaela, Alok Kumar as Don Jose and Alain Coulombe as Zuniga.
A 65-piece VO Orchestra under the direction of Leslie Dala, a 40-person main Chorus, a 20-person Children’s Chorus, and a cast stacked with world-class talent filled the theatre with Bizet’s timeless melodies, while the QET stage was bursting with the largest production VO has ever mounted. With this blockbuster season finale, Vancouver Opera reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional, grand-scale operatic experiences to diverse audiences.
The production showed us a more realistic — and difficult-to-like –Carmen. The freedom-loving temptress, played on opening night by Sarah Mesko, is a woman who has dreams, yet dashes the dreams of the men who try to love her. Director Rachel Peake has shown us a world of deceit, treachery and betrayal. But she also shows us a world of friendship, community and love, in its many painful configurations. Yet there are also many hilarious points in this production, including the arrival of Escamillo (Nathan Keoughan), arriving not on a bull or horse — but a motorcycle!
There are only three more performances (May 2, 4 and 5) for this memorable production. Opening night and Sunday’s matinee performances were sold out. GO. Marvel at the talent and versatility we have right here in Vancouver. Go Opera Go!
ONLY THREE MORE PERFORMANCES:
April 2 at 7:30 p.m.; April 4 at 7:30 p.m. and April 5 at 2:00 p.m.
All at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Hurry for tickets: vancouveropera.ca.
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