Edhat Staff
By edhat staff
Opera Santa Barbara is hosting a live 90-minute performance of “Carmen” at the Ventura Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 6.
It’s been nine months since the opera’s last stage production and now they’re back in full swing with a pandemic safe event for music lovers of all genres.
Carmen, A Live Drive-In Opera, is a 90-minute version of Bizet’s blockbuster hit, based on an adaptation by British director Peter Brook. Set in southern Spain the opera tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery gypsy Carmen. José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen’s love to the glamorous torero Escamillo, after which José kills her in a jealous rage.
It’ll be an up-close and personal look at the loves and rivals of the titular heroine, all from the safe and socially distanced comfort of your car.
Mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock (2019, The Crucible) stars as Carmen in what Opera Santa Barbara calls a “commanding performance in a signature role.” Rounding out the quartet are Harold Meers as Don José (2019, Madama Butterfly), Alexander Elliott (2018, The Barber of Seville) as Escamillo, and returning Chrisman Studio Artist soprano Jennifer Lindsay as Micaëla. Directed by Sara E. Widzer and conducted by Kostis Protopapas featuring members of the OSB Orchestra.
Grab the popcorn, drive along the coast to the Ventura County Fairgrounds, and see live singers on stage projected onto jumbo screens and audio streamed right to your car radio.
The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. on December 6 at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura. Tickets are on sale for $79 per car, buy them here.
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