Review: CARMEN at Sarasota Opera

French composer Georges Bizet's opera Carmen is performed in four acts. The libretto was written by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy and was based on a novella of the same name written by Prosper Mérimée. Carmen was first performed in 1975 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. Ahead of its time and a bit avant-garde, the scandalous storyline shocked its first audiences. Portrayals of lustful immorality and disorderly conduct mixed with the tragic death of a main character broke new ground in French opera. Back then Carmen was considered highly controversial.

Unfortunately Bizet died after the 33rd performance not knowing his work would achieve international acclaim. Carmen has since become one of the most frequently performed operas, with audiences awaiting the iconic songs "Habanera" from Act 1 and the "Toreador Song" from Act 2.

Carmen is written in the genre of opéra comique using musical numbers intertwined with dialogue. Although a flirtatiously dramatic tale, Bizet offers some humorous moments throughout the program. Set in southern Spain, we follow the story of the downfall of Don José (Cody Austin) a naïve soldier who is seduced by the provocative gypsy woman Carmen (Lisa Chavez). To prove his love for her, Don José abandons his childhood sweetheart Micaela (Hanna Brammer) and deserts his military position. But alas he loses Carmen's love to the gallant matador Escamillo (Steven LaBrie).

What ensues is worth going to see, even if you are familiar with the opera. Ms Chavez is as bold and commanding as she is alluring and conniving. She brings a depth and grace to her lusty character. An appreciative audience particularly loved her castanet dance to "Seguidilla". No note was beyond her reach. Mr Austin as the tortured Don José was the man we loved to hate. How could he love such a wicked woman as Carmen when devoted Micaela was waiting in the wings? Austin embodied his character well enough to overlook some of the notes that seemed a bit out of his reach. Ms Brammer was divine as the sweet and innocent Micaela. Her beauty was matched only by her lovely demeanor and expressive vocal aptitude. Mr LaBrie brought the stallion stance of a matador to life with his baritone dominance.

Honorable mention to Chelsea Davidson who played gypsy girl Frasquita with a charm and a voice that rose above the rest. The children of the Youth Opera playing in the square were adorable showing off their talent as singers and added a playful tone to several scenes. Kudos to Jesse Martins, Youth Opera Chorus Master. It was enchanting watching smoke wafting through the air as Gypsy women who work in the cigar factory draw then exhale from their cigars. All of these nuances added to the always-magnificent sets of Scenic Designer David P. Gordon and embellished costumes by Howard Tsvi Kaplan. Under the brilliant baton of Conductor John F. Spencer IV, the Opera Orchestra was up to the task of delivering some of the most iconic songs in opera history.

Carmen runs through March 24, 2018. For more information visit www.sarasotaopera.org.

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