Fuente Simon Parris: Man in Chair
With its spoken dialogue, scores of children, animals and dancers, and rich, authentically Spanish setting, director Francesca Zambello’s creative but traditional production of perennial favourite Carmen is a true crowd-pleaser. Action, dance and stunts abound, but the key focus is on crystal clear storytelling and character motivation.
The capacity audience drew their collective breath at the unwelcome sight of Royal Opera chief Kasper Holten on stage, microphone in hand, at the start of the night. It seemed that star attraction Roberto Alagna was somewhat unwell, but was still going to perform tonight. The crowd breathed a sigh of relief and crossed their fingers that Alagna would be up to the task.
Verónica Cangemi wins the audience’s hearts with her lovely rendition of Micaëla’s earnest prayer “Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante.”