There are occasions a reviewer has to take their hat off and say, yes, that was pretty darn impressive and Ellen Kent’s latest incarnation of Bizet’s Carmen is one such occasion. Big, bold and dazzlingly bright, this is an operatic feast that takes hold from the off and refuses to relinquish its grip.
It’s a show that’s full of surprises, too. The brass band introduction at the beginning of the overture gives a mere taste of the Andalucian authenticity other productions might lack, especially as the action takes place within and without the walls of a gigantic bull ring. There is also the exceptional flamenco talent of Samantha Quy to feast upon, which adds further dimension to this classic tale of love and death. As for the added conclusion - suffice to say it works exceptionally well.
Irina Vinogradova’s spurned Micaela is sublime. Irakli Grigali’s Don Jose is brim-full of jealous rage and terrific presence. Petru Racovita’s Escamillo - a heavy tumble from a tabletop not withstanding - is overflowing with vanity and self-importance.
Yet it is Zarui Vardanean’s mezzo-soprano voice and perfect dark gypsy beauty, combined with the rare ability for an opera star to act, which will live long in the memory. Vardanean not only takes on the role of Carmen, she possesses it lock, stock and barrel and turns the whole show into something quite exceptional.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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