(William Long will be conducting the performance on May 28.) Instead, a sad, beige-ish monochrome prevailed, contributing to the muddle of an oft-overcrowded staging. THE SOUND OF MUSIC. On May 15, The Washington National Opera (WNO) returned to its home at the Kennedy Center's News Community Life Arts & Dining Health Homes & Gardens Kids Commentary Search 46.3F Washington, D.C. Copyright 1990-2023. Complementing McCallin's designs are Anne Nesmith's beautiful wig and makeup designs, and highlighting it all are Justin A. Partier's lighting designs, revivals based on Paule Constable's original designs. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Event Tickets Center is a resale marketplace with tickets available to thousands of events. Instead, with the understandings we've drawn in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement - namely, recognizing that women who dress or act or exist a certain way aren't "asking for it," as we were told for far too long - Zambello and Leonard create a Carmen that audiences can sympathize with. There is a Capital Bike Share station at the corner of First Street and K Street SE. Keep Exploring The experience was simply spectacular!! Bold, uninhibited, and strong-willed, Carmen lives life on her own terms. Her story may change psychiatry. Keep Exploring Bringing these timeless roles to life are some of operas brightest stars. Exotic orchestral color provides life to the production with its Spanish and Romani flavors. I found the opening scene - where the stage was packed with the company dressed to portray varying classes and occupations, children playing, soldiers patrolling, clergymen advising, and more I likely missed - to be a delightful organized chaos that immediately immersed the audience in Carmen's world. Get the best news & discounts for Washington, DC Shows & beyond. Audiences will come to see it regardless; the Washington National. (Your guess is as good as mine.). Please reload the page and try again. Audi Field concessions will be open for the broadcast and during the pre-show activities. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. All rights reserved. Washington National Operas Carmen isnt great, but it doesnt have to be. Weekly email with links to latest posts. Thankfully, Washington National Opera Creative Director. Since the start of the construction archaeologists dug up all kinds of stuff from the ground; from pot shards to hash pipes and from Nokia 3310's to coins. The cast features two. N.J. Sen. Bob Menendez escaped legal peril once. As Don Jos, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts (5/17-7/09). Speaking of brocade, the costumes in this production are just gorgeous. Manage Settings Copyright 1990-2023. $25$350. To make a donation in memory of someone, please visit ourMemorial Donation page. A beautiful white horse was trotted on and offstage a couple of times. Bad? Privacy Policy Reprint Policy: Our content may not be reprinted in full. Isabel Leonard in role debut as Carmen at the Kennedy Center. Perhaps an unsexy Carmen would be appropriate for some kind of subversive reinterpretation of Bizets exercise in leering exoticism; Im not the first to point out how fucked up it is that Carmen is the opera that made the femme fatale trope famous, given that the actual fatale character in it is a man and the titular femme is his victim. Fighter-pilot Jess grapples with her own battle: the moral implications and psychological effects of virtual warfare. Audi Field is located at 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024. The hit family opera returns for the holidays, based on the award-winning childrens book and featuring music from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori. This world premiere by Jeanine Tesori is based on the award-winning play by George Brant and co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera. Often painted as a. %Performer% at %Venue% Tickets. Music MetroRail hours of operation, fares, and delay information can be found at their website, wmata.com. The other weak spot is Escamillo, the bullfighter who steals Carmens heart, which sends her ex-boyfriend on his murderous path. To join or renew as a Member, please visit ourMembership page. Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. ", The Kennedy Center Seating Charts, "But there may be a solution that lies in this grand, crowd-pleasing and emotionally affecting production: the notion that you can have your opera cake and eat it, too. And the show didnt really begin until bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green made his phenomenal showing as Escamillo. Its a simultaneous English translation, of course, so its very easy to follow in terms of the text, but obviously we hope the music and the action are sweeping you away and communicating the story as well.. Season Two Trailer, Rufus Wainwright Shares Star-Studded 'Folkocracy' Album, Review: THE HUMOURS OF BANDON at The Atlas Performing Arts Center, Rorschach to Present Immersive Rock Experience ANGEL NUMBER NINE, Review: AUDREY, THE NEW MUSICAL at Creative Cauldron, Review: HURRICANE DIANE at Avant Bard Theatre, Review: JULIUS CAESAR at Avant Bard Theatre, Review: SELLING KABUL at Signature Theatre, The Ex-Wives Club with Bella Coppola: Backstage at SIX, Corey Hawkins Wants to 'Plant the Seeds of Possibility ' on Broadway. Her journalism credits include The Gazette, Marine Tactical, and PBSs Frontline, in addition to publishing credits in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, The Flask Review, and Two in the Bush. Classical/Pops Barbados. Reviews: A TRANSPARENT MUSICAL at Center Theater Group, Kara Lindsay Will Lead MARY POPPINS at North Carolina Theatre, VIDEO: Peppermint & Daya Curley Sing 'Chosen Family' from A TRANSPARENT MUSICAL, Cast & Creatives Revealed For the World Premiere of Tickets for the performances went on sale to members at 10 a.m. today (Tuesday, February 15), and to the public on Tuesday, February 22 .Tickets may be purchased online atkennedy-center.org, in-person at the Kennedy Center Box Office, or by calling (202) 467-4600. Tickets available in subscriptions Washington National Opera Marian Anderson Vocal Award Recital: Justin Austin Tue. 2700 F St. NW. After she escapes trouble by seducing Don Jos, she sets her eyes on the bullfighter Escamillo. Sometimes you need something that people actually like, or at least are pretty certain they will like. Sign up to get an email reminder aboutOpera on the Fields free presentation ofCarmen. Saturdays Escamillo, baritone Michael Todd Simpson, lacked in projection and got swallowed up by the orchestra and chorus on a few occasions. Shes the woman who everyone wantsbut she wants nothing but freedom. Copyright by MD Theatre Guide, LLC. WNOs annual opera gala will take place on the opening night of Carmen and will be chaired by Jim Bell. Filled with passion, jealousy, drama and death, Georges Bizet's classic opera revolves around a beautiful but hot-tempered gypsy girl who seduces a young corporal named Don Jos. In many ways, it feels as though WNO has pulled out all the stops for this production - in addition to featuring performers from Washington National Opera (and a few new faces), this production of Carmen also includes members of the Cafritz Young Artist Program, the Washington National Opera Orchestra (conducted by the wonderful Evan Rogister), the Washington National Opera Chorus and Corps Dancers, and the Washington National Opera Children's Chorus. Marian Anderson Vocal Award Recital: Justin Austin. One got the sense that this sealed-off Seville would serve as a laboratory where something could be done to the story, or where one of its facets could be magnified or examined in detail. And yet, with only one on-stage death, it would be a shame not to recognize Georges Bizet's Carmen for the tragedy it truly is. No bags larger than 14 by 14 by 6 will be allowed into Audi Field. Powerful and dynamic, the Washington National Opera's production is not to be missed. Many opera performers can be so focused on the (admittedly difficult) singing parts that they forget that opera is also a theatrical production. City Desk Can he do it again? While best known for her dance roles on stage, de Lavallade will receive a 2017 Kennedy Center Honor in recognition of her wide-ranging career as an artist in dance, theater, film, television and . Events, Football By using this site, you agree to ourPrivacy PolicyandTerms & Conditionswhich describe our use of cookies. Carmen is the kind of opera that makes opera criticism a somewhat pointless exercise. Proceed to Cart & Checkout. Celebrate the thirteenth season of free opera broadcasts by joining Washington National Opera at Audi Field for Carmen on Sunday, September 25 at 4 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. for pre-opera activities. Carmen Program Another factor was the middling chemistry between Leonards Carmen and tenor Michael Fabianos Don Jos. The special pre-show entertainment will include: Attendees can enter for a chance to win these prizes: One Select Four subscription to National Symphony Orchestras season consisting of one pair of tickets to four performances of the winners choice to be coordinated with the winner. Excerpts may be used if a credit and link is provided to our website. ", "Washington City Paper has made me feel like I am part of the D.C. Seating on the field is available on first come, first serve basis. We also offer multiple bike racks around Audi Field. The set designs (a mountain camp, a bullring grandstand) are pretty standard. Theater When they arrive in Seville for his bullfight, Carmen's friends alert her that Jos has returned. Oct. 28 - Nov. 13, 2023 Fighter-pilot Jess grapples with her own battle: the moral implications and psychological effects of virtual warfare. Watch a stunning performance from Elektra -- a power-packed, fasten your seatbelt opera, from its dramatic, harrowing music to its hair-raising finale. Is it good? It represented the exterior of a cigarette factory; Lillas Tastias tavern; a robbers hideaway; and the exterior of a bull-fighting arena where the denouement of the opera takes place. The performances on the 15th and 27th are Carfitz Young Artist performances, though some members of the program perform on all dates. What makes this production of Carmen so strong isn't just its fascinating and refreshing perspective, but also the powerhouse team behind it, both on and off the stage. Additional information on the production can be found on the Kennedy Center Click Here. But even the text of the opera contradicts this understanding - as Carmen herself states, she never once lied about her disinterest in lasting love, and she warned all potential lovers away. Food News When Don Jos learns from family friend Micala (Janai Brugger) that his mother is dying, he leaves, and Carmen instantly takes up with the dashing, brave toreador Escamillo (Michael Todd Simpson). The ensemble is fantastic, right down to the group of ragtag children playfully imitating the changing of the guard. Hockey 7:00 PM. Excludes New Years Eve performances. Hordes of men fall for her beauty and charm, willfully ignoring her own warnings that she won't return their affections. "Y'all are doingreallocal D.C. Rogister brought out some lovely nuances in Bizets music, a lightness and passion that didnt quite make it to the stage. The Washington National Opera kicked off its 60th anniversary season, at the Kennedy Center, with the classical Opera, "Carmen." The opera is by French composer, George Bizet but the. Even Carmens red corset struggled to pop, color-wise. The production is performed in its original French with projected English titles. The conductor, Evan Rogister, tapped into the Spanish orchestral flare as well as traditional opera music very effectively. Bad? Jos's jealousy chafes against even the other smugglers, and Carmen's love for him wanes, particularly when she and her friends read their fortunes in the cards and she repeatedly draws death, interpreted as her own at her lover's hands, followed by his as well. Be at the Kennedy Center Opera House for this staging the Vancouver Observer describes as "full of lust, realism, a wild yet plausible plot, and characters that are impossible not to care about a sure-fire hit! Additional support provided by The Clarice Smith Opera Series, The Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts, Robert and Lynn Downing, and The Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation, 2022 Opera Gala Presenting Sponsor Centene Charitable Foundation. Washington National Opera Carmen A free spirit comes at a price in Bizet's blockbuster tragedy. Count on it. Fighter-pilot Jess grapples with her own battle: the moral implications and psychological effects of virtual warfare. Carmen doesn't quite take off until the second act, but it's a flight worth taking , The D.C. premiere of Francesca Zambellos production of one of the most popular titles in the operatic canon will feature Isabel Leonard in her role debut as Carmen, The annual WNO Gala will feature the Opening Night Performance, Gala packages, include a VIP cocktail reception, formal embassy dinners by ambassadorial invitation, and brand new this year, an after-party at the REACH, are available. A comprehensive list of rules can be found here. Their momentary love is never supposed to be believable, but on Saturday, it didnt seem like anything but proximity. Watch performances and interviews behind Washington National Opera's innovative short works exploring questions around the stories monuments tell -- the legacies they embody, and the memories they cement. Justin Austin is praised for his mellifluous baritone (The Wall Street Journal). In the 1943 Broadway production, Carmen was played by opera singer Muriel Smith (who also provided the singing voice of Bloody Mary for the Joshua Logan film of South Pacific). Washington National Opera (WNO) celebrates the 17th year of its most popular community event with a free opera broadcast at the state-of-the art home stadium of D.C. United. By MetroAudi Field is located at the Navy Yard metro station and is accessible on the green line. And yet, with only one on-stage death, it would be a shame not to recognize, For those who didn't develop an obsession with this piece through playing. Your cart will expire in mins Navigation Kennedy Center Kennedy Center Photo by Scott Suchman. What, beyond the suggestion of a tobacco factory, lay beyond the hermetic seal of this set? Francesca Zambello's fresh interpretation of the beloved opera is a gorgeous and thoughtful production. Running Time: Approximately 3 hours, with one 20-minute intermission. What did our critic think of THE HUMOURS OF BANDON at The Atlas Performing Arts Center? Star-crossed lovers risk it all in Gounods passionate tragedy, featuring soaring music and exquisite duets. Shes just not so convincing as Carmen, despite it being a role Margaine does frequently: She comes across as more bossy than sexy, with an intonation thats more declarative than seductive. Washington National Opera Presents Carmen, Justin Partier* Revival Lighting Designer. Carmen is a powerful, engaging, and moving production, performed seamlessly by an immensely talented cast and production crew. While I am by no means an authority on the ethnic or historical authenticity of the outfits worn by a cast of characters that includes soldiers, flamenco dancers, smugglers, factory workers, and street urchins, the array of clothes that grace the stage are stunningespecially the layered flowing skirts of Sevilles women. Micaelas Air, sung by the woman Don Jos has left for Carmen, was delivered poignantly by soprano Vanessa Vasquez. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Greene plays the toreador, Escamillo. All rights reserved. this performance goes beyond mere adequacy, and into the realm of true brilliance. Opera North: Bizet's Carmen. Soprano Vanessa Vasquez gave a stunning performance as Micala. (Leonards attempt at playing castanets, which was about as seductive as a typing lesson, didnt help.) Dec. 5, 2021, 9:30 PM PST / Updated Dec. 6, 2021, 6:16 AM PST By The Associated Press WASHINGTON The Kennedy Center Honors returned to tradition this year with an in-person gala Sunday night. Georges Bizet's "Carmen," with its tuneful, accessible melodies and simple plot, has become arguably the world's most popular opera. Aside from a cast of literally hundreds, there is also a horse, a troupe of dancers a chorus of 60 people, a childrens chorus of 24 kids. Morgan Halvorsen, a Maryland resident since 1998, is a community college teacher, freelance writer, and budding playwright. Ever since I knew what opera was, I knew who Carmen was. Tanya McCallins set resembled a warehoused Richard Serra sculpture, a rusty iron arc looming over a Seville articulated by softly textured and richly detailed costumes (also by McCallin). The Washington National Opera presented Carmen, one of the mainstays in the opera repertoire. The rest of the cast is equally impressive - notably, Suzannah Waddington and Hannah Shea (also members of the Cafritz program) pull off a few gorgeous duets in service of their position as Carmen's closest friends, Frasquita and Mercds, and Kevin Short's Zuniga provided a good mix of both menace and ironic comedy when he is captured by Carmen's friends after confronting the couple. Be there for the world premiere of three one-act operas staged in a concert performance, accompanied by a small chamber orchestra comprised of WNO Orchestra musicians. There were a few. Audiences will come to see it regardless; the Washington National Opera knows this, thats why they chose it to open their 60th season. Carmen, now playing at the Kennedy Center, is uniquely brilliant. Free registration is required. Carmen de Lavallade Dance Honoree The 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors Washington, Kennedy Center Opera House 3 December 2017 www.carmendelavallade.com 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honours www.kennedy-center.org This year marks the 40 th anniversary of the Kennedy Center Honors - America's highest award bestowed upon an artist. WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, Round House Theatre stages August Wilsons final play Radio Golf, What to know as Prince Harry prepares for court fight with British tabloid publisher, Chuck Todd leaving NBCs Meet the Press, After the 'boom': No survivors in crash of plane that sent fighter jets scrambling, First full week of June: Sunny to partly cloudy with highs in the 80s, 3 dead after car plunges into Frederick Co. quarry. Powerful and dynamic, the Washington National Operas production is not to be missed. Visit WNOs website for complete production details and casting information. A curtain-to-curtain case of low energy repeatedly undermined the wild spirit at the core of Carmen not to mention Carmen. Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars & Mrs. Eugene B Casey. Christine Goerke Is Elektra| Washington National Opera, RBG's Love of Opera | Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Cafritz Young Artists Aria Showcase 2021, Episode 3 | Washington National Opera, Rene Fleming sings "Oh Mio Babbino Caro" | LIVE at The Kennedy Center, "Te Deum" | WNO's Tosca | The Kennedy Center, Rene Fleming - In the Silence of the Mysterious Night (Van Cliburn Tribute) - 2001 KC Honors. (Also, why did smoke pour through the doors like the fumes from a witchs cauldron?). Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard made her anticipated debut in the title role on Saturday, though I suspect it may take her a few more travels to Seville to arrive where Carmen actually lives. She eventually convinces him to flee the city with her and her friends (Ariana Wehr and Aleksandra Romano, playing Frasquita and Mercds respectively), hiding in the mountains with a group of smugglers. Leonard's beautiful voice, her sassy delivery, and her strength of presentation create a gorgeous and powerful interpretation of the character (Leonard's talents and commitment also resulted in her learning to play the castanets for her dance in Act I).
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