Fiery French Opera Center Stage at Cinnabar

"Carmen," Georges Bizet's classic opera of ill-fated love, begins May 31 at Cinnabar Theater, the first time the Petaluma community theater is putting on the production.  

The French opera (performed in English in this Cinnabar Theater production) recounts the love affair between an obsessive, irrational and hot-tempered soldier Don José, who is seduced by Carmen, a beguiling, free spirited gypsy girl.  

Infatuated, Don José, played by Rohnert Park actor Mark Kratz, disregards his military duties and abandons his childhood sweetheart for Carmen, who is uncompromising as she rejects his devotion for a handsome, triumphant toreador. Jealous rage and betrayal drives Don José into madness, resulting in a tragic end for Carmen.  

Considered a masterpiece by many and one of the most celebrated and frequently performed operas, "Carmen" was not successful when first presented in 1875. It was the last opera written by Bizet, who died of heart failure at the age of thirty-seven, three months after "Carmen" premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris.  

Directed by Elly Lichenstein, with musical direction by Mary Chun. Runs May 31 through June 16 at Cinnabar Theater. $35 General; $32 Seniors 65 & Over; $25 Age 22 and under. Click here to buy tickets