Carmen at Arizona Opera

ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS SEDUCTRESSES OF ALL TIME IS ABOUT TO MAKE HER TRIUMPHANT RETURN.Set in Seville around the year 1830, the opera deals with the love and jealousy of Don Jose, who is lured away from his duty as a soldier and his beloved Micaela by the gypsy factory-girl Carmen, whom he allows to escape from custody. He is later persuaded to join the smugglers with whom Carmen is associated, but is driven wild by jealousy. This comes to a head when Carmen makes clear her preference for the bull- fighter Escamillo. The last act, outside the bull-ring in Seville, brings Escamillo to the arena, accompanied by Carmen, there stabbed to death by Don Jose, who has been awaiting her arrival.The thrilling score by French composer Georges Bizet includes some of the most popular and recognizable music in all of opera, including The Habanera and The Toreador Song.Stage Director Stephanie Havey says of this beloved masterpiece: Carmen juxtaposes the facade of civilization and the mysterious forces of primitive desires. Carmen glorifies freedom above all else, challenging the norms that govern hearts and minds. I am looking forward to bringing this iconic opera and its disruptive heroine to life.From its lighthearted beginnings to its tragic and destined climax, Carmen is not to be missed. Do so at your peril.

Authors

• AnnMarie Milazzo
• Everett Quinton
• Georges Bizet
• Henry Hamilton
• John Ewbank
• Prosper Merimee
• Sarah Miles