Theater

Carmen Revitalized

Boston Lyric Opera invigorates classic

Nov 4, 2009

Carmen Revitalized

 

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On November 6, Boston Lyric Opera will present a new take on what is perhaps the most widely recognized opera in the world. Carmen will open at Citi Performing Arts Center Shubert Theatre in Boston with a few key changes. “By re–introducing dialogue originally specified by the composer (the recitatives sometimes used were composed posthumously and not sanctioned by Bizet) and by streamlining the libretto and the scenery to showcase the central themes of the story, BLO intends to pay tribute to, and offer a unique interpretation of the composer’s original vision,” notes General & Artistic Director Esther Nelson. The changes are sure to intrigue Carmen traditionalists and delight those who have never seen the story.

Mezzo-soprano Dana Beth Miller will make her Boston debut in the title role, as directed by Nicholas Muni. Muni’s take on the opera classic is as grand as any. “Big, grand opera meets small, intense, passionate intrigue among four central characters,” he notes. “By clearing out the unnecessary ‘decoration,’ we get to the heart of the story—an approach which is very much in tune with contemporary social trends. The scenery, costumes and lighting will be rich, large scale and to the point but beyond that, the detail will be in the performances of the singers… and what is happening between the characters. This type of approach is only possible because of the intimacy of the Shubert Theater—which is very similar in size to the theater for which Bizet wrote the opera in the first place. That intimacy is a wonderful gift.”

Boston Lyric Opera will present Bizet’s Carmen November 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, 2009. For ticket and further information, please visit www.blo.org.