About the opera
In the sultry heart of 19th-century Seville, where passion ignites like the flames of a Spanish sunset, there unfolds a tale of love, lust, and destiny set to the enchanting melodies of Bizet’s “Carmen.” As the curtain rises, the air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of rebellion and desire, weaving a tapestry of seduction that will enthrall both the characters and the audience alike. Enter the world of Carmen, a fiery and free-spirited gypsy whose untamed spirit becomes a magnetic force drawing those around her into a dance of fates. Amidst the swirling rhythms of flamenco and the haunting echoes of destiny, the opera unfolds, painting a vivid portrait of love’s tumultuous journey and the irresistible allure of Carmen herself. Brace yourself for a spellbinding experience, as the stage is set for a timeless opera that transcends time and tradition, inviting you to surrender to the irresistible charm of “Carmen.”
Regarding our performances
Our first two performances will take place in Fremont, CA, at Jackson Theatre, Smith Center of Ohlone College. Saturday 3/30/2024 at 7pm, and Sunday 3/31/2024 at 3pm.
Our final two performances will take place in Redwood City, CA, at Carrington Hall of Sequoia High School. Saturday 4/6/2024 at 7pm, and Sunday 4/7/2024 at 3pm.
The performances include professional opera singers from the local area and internationally; renown ballet dancer, and a live chamber orchestra. A grandious yet affordable event which you do not want to miss.
Cast & Creative
CARMEN – Xiaohua Song (3/30, 4/7), Cecilia X. Cai (3/31, 4/6)
MICAELA – Amber Marsh (3/30, 3/31, 4/6), Cecilia X. Cai (4/7)
DON JOSE – Josh Bongers (3/30, 4/6), Senen Bagos (3/31, 4/7)
ESCAMILLO – Kenneth Lu (3/30, 3/31), Julio Ferrari (4/6, 4/7)
ZUNIGA (Captain) – Jim Cowing (All dates)
MORALES (Officer) – You-Wen Yi (3/30, 3/31, 4/6), Kenneth Lu (4/7)
FRASQUITA – Carlet Langford (3/30, 3/31), Kristin Lund (4/6, 4/7)
MERCEDES – Angela Jajko (3/30, 4/7), Salina Zhang (3/31, 4/6)
EL REMENDADO – Roberto Amaya (3/30, 4/7), Guanhao Qiao (3/31, 4/6)
EL DANCAIRO – Russ Kladko (All dates)
LILAS PASTIA (Innkeeper) – Zhen Jin/ Li-Chong Wang (All dates)
Conductor: Michael Shahani
Stage Director: Frederick Winthrop
Chorus Manager – Lily Wu
Choreographer/Lead Dancer – Zhongqi Shi
Children’s Chorus Director – Lina Linares
Repetiteur – Sophia Xu
Stage Assistant -Daisy Chen
Rehearsal Accompanists: Anna Kostiuchenko, Sophia Xu
Lights provided by Ohlone College and Sequoia High School
