OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi Opera Theatre presents “Carmen,” one of the world’s most performed operas, March 27 and 29 at the Gertrude C. Ford Performing Center for the Performing Arts.
“This is one of the most beloved and famous operas of all times,” said Julia Aubrey, director of Opera Theatre and of the production. She described the classic musical as “a story of passion, revenge, jealousy and ultimately murder,” with a cast of “earthly, riveting characters.”
Curtain times are 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12.50 for children and seniors, and $10 for Ole Miss students with IDs. They are available at the UM Box Office in the Student Union or by calling 662-915-7411.
Set in 19th century Spain, the four-act opera centers on Carmen, a beautiful gypsy with a fiery temper. Her affection is won by a handsome soldier and a glamorous bullfighter who turns her head, but neither can tame her defiant spirit.
This staged, concert version is sure to entertain with its colorful costumes, a custom-designed set, exciting choreography and Bizet’s tuneful melodies, Aubrey said.
The production is conducted by music faculty Robert Aubrey and Ronald Vernon, and choreographed by theatre arts faculty Rene Pulliam. The set designer is Matt Zerangue, Ford Center event technical services coordinator. The cast and orchestra include undergraduates, graduate students and music faculty.
The nationally recognized Ole Miss Opera Theatre promotes development in music, drama, movement and design related to opera performance, and all UM students are invited to audition.
For more information about the production or to request assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7268. To learn more about Ole Miss Opera Theatre or music education at Ole Miss, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/music/ .