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Carmen

The spring 2006 production by Preston Opera was Bizet's drama Carmen. It was presented at the Charter Theatre Preston to large audiences. The producer was Marilyn Taylor and the Musical Director Robin Newton. Geoff Horton designed the set and Alison Jones designed the lighting.

The pictures are "stills" from a video of the Friday performance.

Watch for the links to Video clips

Act I opens in a square by the tobacco factory in Seville. a group of bored soldiers watch the crowds go by

 

A group of "urchins" watch the guard change. Sergeant Morales, played by Darryl Blackshaw, is in charge of the proceedings.

 

The urchins parody the military drill of the soldiers. The urchins are played brilliantly by children from Fulwood High School & Arts College, Preston.

 

 

Michaela, played by Marie'Louise Lane, is searching for Don Jose but attracts unwelcome attention from the local soldiers. Michaela provides a dramatic contrast to the wanton personality of Carmen. She certainly sings the most haunting melodies in the Opera.

 

 

"A kiss from your mother.....". Michaela offers domestic bliss and conventional life to the vulnerable Don Jose. Corporal Don Jose is played by Kevin Matthews.

 

 

 

The lunchtime bell rings and the cigarette girls stroll silently, sinuously  and seductively from the factory.  Both soldiers and onlookers survey the local talent.

 

The girls demonstrate the art of cigar rolling to an admiring crowd of onlookers (and the audience).

 

Carmen also surveys the local male talent and singles out Don Jose for her attentions. This is the crucial moment as she tosses a flower at his feet. Carmen is played by Laura Hudson.

 

 

After returning to work the girls rush out to report that Carmen and another girl Manuelita have quarreled violently. One group favours Carmen the other Manuelita.

 

 

Jose discovers that Carmen has wounded Manuelita with a knife. The girls resume their fight.

Carmen suffers summary justice and is condemned to prison by Lieutenant Zuniga. However she seduces the vulnerable Jose with promises of a good time at Lillas Pastia's tavern provided he allows her to escape. He forgets Michaela and agrees.

This is the Tavern owned by Lillas Pastia, played by Neil Winrow. It is the haunt of townsfolk, soldiers and gypsies all out for a "good time". It is also the base for a local smuggling gang.  The girls entertain the customers with lively dancing.

 

Video  Mercedes and Frasquita pull out all the stops in a whirlwind of song and dance. Mercedes is played by Helen Shorey and Frasquita by Emma Johnston.  Double Click on the play arrow

 

Mercedes and Frasquita pull out all the stops in a whirlwind of song and dance. Mercedes is played by Helen Shorey and Frasquita by Emma Johnston.

Carmen also dances and is closely watched by Zuniga. Even though he ordered her arrest he is one of her ardent admirers.

 

Video  Escamillo, the local matador hero, enters with his entourage. He sings the rousing "Toreador, en garde" Double Click on the play arrow

 

 

 

His roving eye settles on Carmen. Escamillo is played by Samuel de Beck Spitzer.

 

"What would you say if I said I could love you...?" Carmen replies: "You can wait....and hope!"

 

Jose is released from Jail and Carmen fulfills her promise to dance for him. Jose hears the bugle call to return to barracks

 

Jose wants to return to barracks but Carmen hopes he will join the band of smugglers. She accuses him of not loving her.  In response he sings the famous flower song "La fleur que tu m'avais jetee"

 

 

Jose is about to leave when Zuniga enters. He insults Jose and expects Carmen to go with him. Jose reacts and grapples with Zuniga. The smuggling gang enter and detain Zuniga. Jose then has no alternative but to go off with Carmen and the gang.

 

 

The smugglers rest for a while in the mountains before carrying contraband goods to Seville. Frasquita and Mercedes consult the cards as to their future. They see richness and happiness.....

 

...but Carmen sees only death!

 

The smuggler band sing of the joys of freedom and the pleasures of outwitting the customs men.

 

A hair-raising moment for Carmen as Jose tries to persuade her to stay with him rather go with Escamillo.

 

 

Act IV starts with a lively scene outside the bullring in Seville. Click on the "play" button to watch the colourful Toreador's procession

 

Members of Escamillo's procession have their photos taken......

 

 

...including Escamillo himself.

 

Escamillo and Carmen are now clearly an "item". He sings "Si tu m'aime Carmen..." It sounds much better in French!

 

 

The famous "split screen" scene: The final confrontation between the distraught Jose and the wanton Carmen. Jose pleads in vain as Escamillo confronts a bull in the ring behind.

 

The knife is about to enter Carmen's heart. She meets her predicted fate.

 

 

"Ah, Carmen! ma Carmen adoree!"

 

The final curtain with musical director Robin Newton.

 

 

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