Vancouver audiences: get ready to be awed again when Georges Bizet’s Carmen returns to the Queen E for six performances from September 27 to October 5. The Vancouver Opera’s box office records were shattered five years ago when Carmen became the fastest-selling VO production in the company’s history.
The gorgeous production, directed by Joel Ivany, takes place in late-1940’s Spain. The powerhouse international cast will include two sizzling-hot mezzo-sopranos alternating the title role: Kate Aldrich (September 27, October 2 and 4) and Ginger Costa-Jackson (September 28, October 3 and 5). Dashing tenor Richard Troxell will sing the role of Don José alongside Ms. Aldrich.
[L to R: Mezzo-sopranos Kate Aldrich, Ginger Costa-Jackson]
Carmen is a fiery factory worker arrested for assault. Don José is her dutiful guard. But when Carmen ignites Don José’s passion with her gypsy spell, his tragic descent begins. He deserts the army, abandons his family for a life of crime, and when Carmen discards him for a bullfighter, erupts with jealous rage to commit a shocking act of revenge.
Uninhibited dancing in a smoke-filled tavern, songs pulsing with erotic power, sinister felonies in a mountain pass, murder outside a bullring—sensuous, astonishing, and irresistible, and once considered too sinful to be staged, it’s easy to see why Carmen is among the most popular operas in the world.
[Photo by Gary Beechey; courtesy Canadian Opera Company]
Ms. Costa-Jackson’s originally-slated Don José had to unfortunately withdraw recently following an automobile accident. His replacement will be announced soon. Esteemed Canadian conductor Jacques Lacombe returns to the VO podium for the first time since 2011’s Roméo et Juliette.
Vancouver Opera Presents Carmen
Dates: September 27, October 2, 3, 4, 7:30; September 28, October 5, 2 pm matinée
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online or via phoning 604.683.0222