Post Cards from the Edge Bizet’s Carmen - 12 November 2016 - Florida Grand Opera 5:00 pm | Welcome to Fred’s Home Page

Bizet’s Carmen - 12 November 2016 - Florida Grand Opera 5:00 pm



This is my 2 1/2 Carmen.  I actually walked out of the San Francisco Opera production last year because of the modern theme (chevy convertible onstage and simulated oral sex behind the car).  This production was the old standby and it did not disappoint although Maria José Montiel as Carmen did not bring the usual exuberance and voice to the role.  She just wasn’t very believable as Carmen to me.  The other cast members were excellent and more than offset the rather indifferent Montiel.  

Fortunately, the infamous chairs of Carmen past at Florida Grand Opera did not reappear in nearly the previous numbers.  

As usual, the music was uplifting and beautiful and belies the reason this is the most requested opera.  It was performed, traditionally, in French.

Photograph from Florida Grand Opera’s website.

© Fred Searcy 2017