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"Janara Kellerman was terrific as Maddalena [in the 2006 production of Rigoletto], singing resplendently and characterizing with teasingly erotic humor; one hopes that somebody is planning a Carmen for her."

--Opera News

Carmen Bizet

An Opéra Comique in four acts

Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy after Prosper Mérimée’s novella

First performance: Paris; Opéra-Comique, March 3, 1875

Sung in French with English supertitles above the stage

**All Carmen dates are SOLD OUT. Call (515) 961-6221 to be placed on the waiting list.

Free opera previews are open to all ticket holders. They are held in Brenton Student Center on the Simpson College campus 45 minutes before curtain.

It's one of the world's most popular operas and for good reason! The rhythms of Spain; melodies you'll hum for days like the Habanera, Seguidilla and Toreador Song; good fun with gypsies, smugglers and bullfighters; a tale of passion, violence, and tragedy; Carmen herself—one of opera's most fascinating characters—all intertwine to create an unforgettable musical and dramatic experience. If you haven't seen this opera—you must... if you have, its wonders are ever new, ever intoxicating. And, if you're new to the world of opera, this is a perfect first encounter!

CAST:

Dragoons, gypsies, smugglers, cigarette-girls, street boys, merchants and orange sellers, police and citizens of Seville

Cast and opera are subject to change without notice.

PRODUCTION:

SETTING: Spain, about 1820