It was so lovely attending the Regent Theatre to see Opera Australia’s latest production of Carmen. It has been a real positive that Opera Australia have had to think outside the square and seduce other theatres to house their season in Melbourne whilst the Arts Centre is in refurbishment.
The star of this production is Italian conductor Clelia Cafiero. Her eloquent conducting and sensitivity helped to blend the voices on stage with a very sprightly Orchestra Victoria. Her experienced showed as she guided Orchestra Victoria allowing the voices on stage to be clearly heard in the vastness of the Regent. It was fabulous to see Cafiero and Orchestra Victoria doing their thing as they were not in a pit. This seemed to boost the energy of the players of Orchestra Victoria. During the music interludes we could fully concentrate on the musicians watching their virtuosic performances and passion for their art.
The set and costume design by recent Tony winner Marg Horwell were simply electrifying (literally) – bright, sassy with a touch of humour. The blending of choreography through the show by Shannon Burns added a current element to an updated production. Lighting design by Paul Jackson, though lacking intimacy, was an audience pleaser with gasps being heard when some changes were executed.
Danielle de Niese was a sensational Carmen. Her french impeccable, her dancing hypnotic and her portrayal gave Carmen the control that I have not seen in other productions. De Niese’s Carmen firmly takes the reins, leads and actually chooses the relationships she has with the two male protagonists. Though I have always cringed at the opera’s final scene, Anne-Louise Sark’s direction firmly places the cards of destiny in Carmen’s hands diluting the power of the two male leads that is evident in other productions. De Niese’s natural physicality in her performance capitalises on Carmen’s strength and de Niese really takes creative control of her star arias thus making them her own.
Abraham Bretón’s Don Jose was in good voice and his aria La fleur que tu m’avais jetée was a highlight. Phillip Rhodes gave us a sexy and charismatic Escamillo bringing home The Torredore’s song. Jennifer Black was stunning in the thankless role of Micaëla. A highlight of this production are Jane Ede (Frasquita) and Angela Hogan (Mercédès). Their Trio des cartes was sung beautifully with all their voices blending melodiously with de Niese. A stand out of music in an opera that is filled with “hits”.
The Opera Australian Chorus were in fine form. It was jaw dropping to see so many performers on stage and a massive orchestra in these times where producers are cost cutting to make their productions economical. Though the chorus as whole were magnificent, I felt that on opening night, the sopranos and mezzo sopranos outshone the male chorus.
I think the Regent Theatre and Opera Australia is a fabulous marriage. I look forward to the rest of the season. This Carmen doesn’t offend and is a great first if you wish to experience opera. Its snappy, bright and very well performed.
