This Sunday! Verismo Opera Presents Carmen at Bergen Performing Arts Center

On Sunday, be transported to Seville, Spain in the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera’s new production Carmen. Verismo Opera, the house opera company of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), presents Georges Bizet’s iconic opera on Sunday, April 26, 3:00 p.m., at the theatre, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street, in Englewood, New Jersey.

Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif’s new production has a surprise in store for the audience. “The ending of Verismo Opera’s Carmen will be something new. This has never been done before and may shock you. If it does, wonderful! That’s what great opera is all about,” said La Quaif.

Under Artistic Director Lucine Amara, the Bergen County based Verismo Opera presents Carmen during its 26th season. “Carmen is an excitingly colorful opera full of raw human emotions we all can identify. Our production of Carmen is special, not only because of the terrific voices but the acting is amazing and very real to life. You won’t see another like it!” said Amara, who performed the role Micaëla in Carmenmany times at the Metropolitan Opera.

Verismo Opera presents Carmen in four acts with the libretto written by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on a novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée. The fully staged production will be presented with the cast singing in French with English supertitles provided.

The Verismo Opera Chorus, led by Chorus Director Mara Waldman, and the Verismo Opera Children’s Chorus, with Director Tricia Lalla from Union School in Rutherford, will perform under the baton of Maestro Anthony Morss conducting the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera Orchestra. BALAM Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director Carlos Fittante, choreographer and dancer, and Resident Spanish Dance Specialist Barbara Romero debut with Verismo Opera as gypsies in Acts two and four.

The complete cast will appear in period costumes designed by Costume Designer/Wardrobe Director Barbara Konig, Assistant Costumer Elaine McKhann and Costume Consultant Catherine Mirabella. Jeromy Hunt returns to the company as Stage Manager, with Amanda Lyons joining as Lighting Director.

bergenPAC is handicapped accessible. Hearing assist systems are available upon request to the house manager in the lobby.

Tickets

Tickets may be purchased online, at the bergenPAC box office, and by calling (201) 227-1030 or toll-free at 1-888-PACSHOW. Senior citizens receive a 10% discount. The company is offering a reduced rate of $10 on all tickets for children, ages 12 and under. The special senior citizen and children’s discount ticket rates are available at the box office only and must be requested before the purchase. For special rates for group sales only, call (201) 224-2809. Discount tickets are not available for purchase online.

Funding

The 2015 season is made possible, in part, with funds provided by the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, through grand funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs. Other supporters include Children’s Aid Foundation, Robert J. Campbell, MD, Cesare L. Santeramo, KSJ, Paul Weiss Matching Fund, The Gerda Lissner Foundation, Inc., and Vanguard Charitable Endowment Fund.

For more information, visit Verismo Opera’s web site or call (201) 886-0561. Like the nonprofit opera company on Facebook, get updates on Twitter @NJVerismoOpera and follow Verismo Opera on Pinterest.

CAST:

Carmen
Ola Rafalo, Mezzo-soprano

Don José
Jose Heredia, Tenor

Micaëla
Donata Cucinotta, Soprano

Escamillo
Mark Cotton, Baritone

Mercedes
Marie Anello, Mezzo-soprano

Frasquita
Bronwyn White, Soprano

Morales
Miquel Vasquez, Baritone

Zuniga
Javier Ortiz, Bass

Le Dancaïre
Daniel Kerr, Baritone

Le Remendado
Daniel Byerly, Tenor

Lillas Pastia
James Garvin, Actor

A Guide
James Moy, Baritone

Artistic Director

Lucine Amara

Conductor
Anthony Morss

Stage Director
Evelyn La Quaif

Chorus Director
Mara Waldman

Children’s Chorus Director
Tricia Lalla

Dancers

BALAM Dance Theatre

Stage Manager
Jeromy Hunt

Lighting Designer
Amanda Lyons

Photo Credit: Marilyn Monsanto