IT’S a cross between Sex and the City and Days of Our Lives – lust, jealousy, treachery and murder – and it is coming to a stage in the northern suburbs.
The Plenty Ranges Arts Centre will host one of the world’s most spectacular operas when Melbourne Opera performs Carmen, by French composer Georges Bizet, at the South Morang complex on July 14.
Carmen was first performed in 1875, but the story could be told as a modern television series with enough twists and turns to rival Revenge.
One of the most popular operas, when first performed it was denounced by critics as immoral because of its saucy characters, including the gypsy seductress from whom it takes its name.
Mezzo soprano Tania Ferris plays Carmen, whose casual flirtation mixes with jealousy and obsession to become a deadly game of chance. The romance between Carmen, who works in a factory, and soldier Don Jose turns sour when Jose becomes jealous and possessive.
Carmen has a fickle heart and she drops him in favour of a bullfighter, Escamillo, but the enraged Jose stabs her to death in a frenzy.
Arts centre manager James Marvos said locals could save on seeing the opera, which is performed in English.
“Instead of paying over $100 to go see it at the Arts Centre in Melbourne city, alongside the $20 to $30 for parking, you can see the exact same production at Plenty Ranges for $40 and parking is free, ” he said.
“It’s a world-class performance of one of the best-loved operas, in your backyard. If you have never been to the opera or theatre this is the one, give it a go.”
Melbourne Opera has 90 professional
performers, including its full orchestra under conductor Greg Hocking, in the performance on Saturday, July 14, at 7.30pm.
Bookings: call 9217 2317 or visit plentyrangestheatre.com.au.
