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WARREN COUNTY, OH --Very seldom is one treated to a “true authentic” presentation of a classic opera. This past week, Nov., 1 and 2, area audiences had this rare privilege. The 150th anniversary of Bizet’s opera CARMEN, which first produced in 1875, is being celebrated in many places. One being just up the road from Warren County.
The cast is dressed in the attire of that periodThe Dayton Opera presented the original version and in costumes of the period, which is seldom done. This CARMEN is different, as it includes spoken dialogue... not usually performed in any opera or in other standard productions .
The colorful evening featured the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by guest conductor Chelsea Gallo, who directed the classic music with great enthusiasm and verve.
Do Jose (Robert Stahley) with Carmen (Maire Therese Carmack) CARMEN was portrayed with much passion by Maire Therese Carmack, who has sung on the international stage and is a rising talent. Don Jose was played by Robert Stahley, who has sung nationally, and like Ms. Carmack, a new and exciting singer.
The dashing toreador Escamillo was given excitement by Christian Pursell, who, among his many opera engagements, has recently recorded an art song album: FERNE. Kathryn Henry, a recent addition to the Metropolitan Opera as Michaela, brought sensitivity to the role.
CARMEN’s supporting cast included, Malone Blaich, Isabel Randall, Evan Fleming and Aaron Hill as the”Smuggler Band” giving character and comedy to the production. Christian Simmons (Zuniga) and Ryan Wolfe ( Morales ) provided more personality than the usual portrayals.
In this “Special Edition” of CARMEN, the dancing played a huge part with Dayton Ballet dancers being very important in this production. Irene Rodriguez, with a background in Spanish and Flamenco dancing and a national reputation, was the choreographer of the many dances in this CARMEN. She was the “fate” dancer, romantic pair dancer in Act 3 and led the “tavern dancing” as well as final act “pre bullfight dances.” She had the Dayton Ballet dancers literally “on their toes” all evening. In this aspect ,this CARMEN did more than the original production with the amazing dances which were designed by Ms. Rodriguez!
CARMEN is a masterpiece of Choruses, and Paula Dunn Powell along with the Dayton Opera Chorus (and special Children’s Chorus) were at the top of their game with all the ensemble music in CARMEN.
Not enough great things can be said about the director, Katherine Clawson. And, the production team really made this a wonderful and memorable event for Dayton Opera.
As part of the audience experience, there was safe parking in the Arts Garage, which was attended throughout and building security active and visible at ALL TIMES.
Of Note was how the evening was arranged. Act 1 and 2 of Carmen were together for 90 minutes, followed by a 20 minute intermission. Acts 3 and 4 were together for an additional 61 minutes. There were fewer intermissions than the usual presentation of this opera, however, a more cohesive presentation overall was achieved.
This is only the first production of the Dayton Opera 2025-26 season and one of many DPAA presentations this coming winter and spring at the Winsupply Theatre/ Schuster Center in Dayton . For the holidays is a “don’t miss” series of THE NUTCRACKER by Dayton Ballet, a tradition for many families. TIP: Get those tickets now, as it does sell out!
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