Venue Info

Citi Shubert Theatre

265 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02116

Full map and directions

Admission Info

Tickets: Ticket prices start at $34.

Info Phone: 866-348-9738, 888.889.8587

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Dates & Times

Dates:
November 6-November 17, 2009

Times:
3 p.m. Sunday matinees.
All other performances 7:30 p.m.

Accessibility Info

Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.

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Member Reviews

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• Event Name: Carmen
  "Captivated me and my students"
  Comment posted by: Tom Westmoreland, Band Director, Lynnfield High School from Boston, MA, Nov 21, 2009
  

  I took 20 high school students to see the dress rehearsal of Carmen on Wednesday, November 4. My students were completely enthralled by the production. They raved for days afterwards, not only to me... Expand

  I took 20 high school students to see the dress rehearsal of Carmen on Wednesday, November 4. My students were completely enthralled by the production. They raved for days afterwards, not only to me and their fellow band mates, but other teachers. On top of this, most of these students were boys...and if you can get fifteen 16 year old boys to like opera, you must be doing something amazing. The set is meaningful without being overwhelming, which leaves the story to be told by the music and the actors. Overall I thought Lockhart's interpretation of the score was superb, and the singers were top notch. Dana Beth Miller is completely engaging as Carmen. It was a wonderful production, and as I said before...if you can get teenagers to sit for 2.5 hours and be engaged in a piece of art that is 150 years old, you are allowing the story to shine but also bringing a freshness to a new audience. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "A show with ideas."
  Review posted by: Operanne from Chicago, Nov 18, 2009
  

  As an occasional visitor from Chicago it's great to see BLO mounting a first-rate production. In nearly 5 decades of opera-going throughout Europe and North America, I've seen my share of Carmens.... Expand

  As an occasional visitor from Chicago it's great to see BLO mounting a first-rate production. In nearly 5 decades of opera-going throughout Europe and North America, I've seen my share of Carmens. This one's up there with the best of them. One may not agree with all the scenic or staging ideas, but at least this production HAS ideas, and they're worked through consistently and with a clear dramatic purpose. The casting, right down to the smaller roles, is good, and the singers seemed to have settled into their roles by the time I saw the show, despite the comments of some of your other reviewers. I particularly liked the way the final scene was handled - dispensing with the usual pageantry and glitz enabled the music and drama to register to telling effect. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "Operatic storytelling at its best"
  Review posted by: sabrina from Cambridge, MA, Nov 18, 2009
  

  This was gripping drama with every visual detail selected to support the music and the storytelling. The acting was very effective and the singing as a whole was excellent, as was the orchestral... Expand

  This was gripping drama with every visual detail selected to support the music and the storytelling. The acting was very effective and the singing as a whole was excellent, as was the orchestral playing. The space limitations of the stage and backstage area of the Shubert Theater limit scenery to a minimum, and the setting allowed the story to be played out while suggesting some of the themes of this production (the role of religion in the country which gave the world the Spanish Inquisition, for instance). This was a polished, professional production in every way. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "terrific"
  Review posted by: operaphile from Somerville, MA, Nov 18, 2009
  

  Only saw Carmen on its last night, but we loved it. Performances and acting were terrific and we thought the staging, including the stripped down set, worked to reveal complicated relationships... Expand

  Only saw Carmen on its last night, but we loved it. Performances and acting were terrific and we thought the staging, including the stripped down set, worked to reveal complicated relationships among flawed but passionate people. Very different from other Carmens: not cliched at all. Very powerful. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "minimal set/maximum sizzle"
  Review posted by: luccamusic from lexington, ma, Nov 18, 2009
  

  Having seen a full-blown NYC Opera Carmen a few years ago, I was curious about how BLO would translate Carmen to a smaller stage production. The medieval "Last Judgment" looming over the set was... Expand

  Having seen a full-blown NYC Opera Carmen a few years ago, I was curious about how BLO would translate Carmen to a smaller stage production. The medieval "Last Judgment" looming over the set was effective and more interesting than a conventional portrayal of Seville. Dana Beth Miller was a wonderful Carmen, and Hanan Alattar a wonderful foil to her, in voice and persona. Daniel Mobbs sounded excellent, though it took a few minutes to be convinced of him as a toreador— but his singing brought the role to life. The BLO orchestra, under Lockhart, did Bizet's beautiful score justice. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "TOO HOT TO LIVE!"
  Review posted by: Becca from Somerville, MA, Nov 17, 2009
  

  I must admit I'm a newcomer to opera, so I didn't know what to expect. It was fantastic! Unlike the other reviews I loved the way the backdrop moved with the story line- definitely a different and... Expand

  I must admit I'm a newcomer to opera, so I didn't know what to expect. It was fantastic! Unlike the other reviews I loved the way the backdrop moved with the story line- definitely a different and creative approach compared to other stage productions I've seen. Too bad tonight is the last performance because I had an absolute blast and would highly recommend it. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "bad set"
  Review posted by: jim from boston, MA, Nov 14, 2009
  

  The set was very disappointing. It was a poster that changed angles with every act. Could they not afford something better? This detracted from the singing.

  The set was very disappointing. It was a poster that changed angles with every act. Could they not afford something better? This detracted from the singing.

• Event Name: Carmen
  "silly"
  Review posted by: don from Boston, Nov 12, 2009
  

  Stage setting had a giant postcard suspended above the stage that just got in the way and got distracting. Changes to the script and scenes didn't add much. On the other hand, the principals, with... Expand

  Stage setting had a giant postcard suspended above the stage that just got in the way and got distracting. Changes to the script and scenes didn't add much. On the other hand, the principals, with the exception of Michaela whose voice was kind or reedy and weak in the lower registers was quite good and the orchestra was terrific under Keith Lockhart. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "Great Intro to Opera"
  Review posted by: NewToOpera from Cambridge, MA, Nov 11, 2009
  

  This was one of the first operas I've seen and I enjoyed it from the beginning all through the end. From Carmen's stunning entrance (first character on stage wearing any color) to the dramatic finish... Expand

  This was one of the first operas I've seen and I enjoyed it from the beginning all through the end. From Carmen's stunning entrance (first character on stage wearing any color) to the dramatic finish I was highly stimulated by the sights, sounds and emotions on stage. The use of the spoken word to further the plot greatly enhanced the experience as well. I look forward to seeing other productions by BLO soon. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "no sizzle"
  Review posted by: jim from Cape Cod, Nov 10, 2009
  

  An emotional, not musical, review: I was really looking forward to this performance, but was disappointed. As the other reviewer said, Carmen herself was crass, not sensuous. No real sparks with Don... Expand

  An emotional, not musical, review: I was really looking forward to this performance, but was disappointed. As the other reviewer said, Carmen herself was crass, not sensuous. No real sparks with Don Jose, who seemed to love his offstage mommy more than her. It was difficult to feel anything for them. Kept thinking the set designer must have had his budget slashed. The music didn't move me. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "Mixed feelings"
  Review posted by: Salaviei from Boston, MA USA, Nov 07, 2009
  

  Set - to me, it appeared like a seventh grade science project... in other words tacky and unimaginative. A lot can be done tactfully with simplicity, but those pink stones just looked like they... Expand

  Set - to me, it appeared like a seventh grade science project... in other words tacky and unimaginative. A lot can be done tactfully with simplicity, but those pink stones just looked like they were from Mars. French - some were better than others Carmen - voice good, would have liked to hear more chest but of course there are many schools of thought on this, I felt a sense of non- legato/detachment due to her dramatic use of dynamics. use of French dialogue needs some work, acting... Of course Carmen is supposed to be the essence of sensuousness, but some of her movements and posturings were crass (always sitting with her legs open, squatting down to sit....) I think this really stood out to me because her level of acting left Don Jose in the dust...His acting at times is stiff and unnatural - they were not a good match Michaela - too serious, pretty voice but character 1-D Collapse

All Media Gallery

Video | Images Images

Member Reviews

Add review/comment

• Event Name: Carmen
  "Captivated me and my students"
  Comment posted by: Tom Westmoreland, Band Director, Lynnfield High School from Boston, MA, Nov 21, 2009
  

  I took 20 high school students to see the dress rehearsal of Carmen on Wednesday, November 4. My students were completely enthralled by the production. They raved for days afterwards, not only to me... Expand

  I took 20 high school students to see the dress rehearsal of Carmen on Wednesday, November 4. My students were completely enthralled by the production. They raved for days afterwards, not only to me and their fellow band mates, but other teachers. On top of this, most of these students were boys...and if you can get fifteen 16 year old boys to like opera, you must be doing something amazing. The set is meaningful without being overwhelming, which leaves the story to be told by the music and the actors. Overall I thought Lockhart's interpretation of the score was superb, and the singers were top notch. Dana Beth Miller is completely engaging as Carmen. It was a wonderful production, and as I said before...if you can get teenagers to sit for 2.5 hours and be engaged in a piece of art that is 150 years old, you are allowing the story to shine but also bringing a freshness to a new audience. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "A show with ideas."
  Review posted by: Operanne from Chicago, Nov 18, 2009
  

  As an occasional visitor from Chicago it's great to see BLO mounting a first-rate production. In nearly 5 decades of opera-going throughout Europe and North America, I've seen my share of Carmens.... Expand

  As an occasional visitor from Chicago it's great to see BLO mounting a first-rate production. In nearly 5 decades of opera-going throughout Europe and North America, I've seen my share of Carmens. This one's up there with the best of them. One may not agree with all the scenic or staging ideas, but at least this production HAS ideas, and they're worked through consistently and with a clear dramatic purpose. The casting, right down to the smaller roles, is good, and the singers seemed to have settled into their roles by the time I saw the show, despite the comments of some of your other reviewers. I particularly liked the way the final scene was handled - dispensing with the usual pageantry and glitz enabled the music and drama to register to telling effect. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "Operatic storytelling at its best"
  Review posted by: sabrina from Cambridge, MA, Nov 18, 2009
  

  This was gripping drama with every visual detail selected to support the music and the storytelling. The acting was very effective and the singing as a whole was excellent, as was the orchestral... Expand

  This was gripping drama with every visual detail selected to support the music and the storytelling. The acting was very effective and the singing as a whole was excellent, as was the orchestral playing. The space limitations of the stage and backstage area of the Shubert Theater limit scenery to a minimum, and the setting allowed the story to be played out while suggesting some of the themes of this production (the role of religion in the country which gave the world the Spanish Inquisition, for instance). This was a polished, professional production in every way. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "terrific"
  Review posted by: operaphile from Somerville, MA, Nov 18, 2009
  

  Only saw Carmen on its last night, but we loved it. Performances and acting were terrific and we thought the staging, including the stripped down set, worked to reveal complicated relationships... Expand

  Only saw Carmen on its last night, but we loved it. Performances and acting were terrific and we thought the staging, including the stripped down set, worked to reveal complicated relationships among flawed but passionate people. Very different from other Carmens: not cliched at all. Very powerful. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "minimal set/maximum sizzle"
  Review posted by: luccamusic from lexington, ma, Nov 18, 2009
  

  Having seen a full-blown NYC Opera Carmen a few years ago, I was curious about how BLO would translate Carmen to a smaller stage production. The medieval "Last Judgment" looming over the set was... Expand

  Having seen a full-blown NYC Opera Carmen a few years ago, I was curious about how BLO would translate Carmen to a smaller stage production. The medieval "Last Judgment" looming over the set was effective and more interesting than a conventional portrayal of Seville. Dana Beth Miller was a wonderful Carmen, and Hanan Alattar a wonderful foil to her, in voice and persona. Daniel Mobbs sounded excellent, though it took a few minutes to be convinced of him as a toreador— but his singing brought the role to life. The BLO orchestra, under Lockhart, did Bizet's beautiful score justice. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "TOO HOT TO LIVE!"
  Review posted by: Becca from Somerville, MA, Nov 17, 2009
  

  I must admit I'm a newcomer to opera, so I didn't know what to expect. It was fantastic! Unlike the other reviews I loved the way the backdrop moved with the story line- definitely a different and... Expand

  I must admit I'm a newcomer to opera, so I didn't know what to expect. It was fantastic! Unlike the other reviews I loved the way the backdrop moved with the story line- definitely a different and creative approach compared to other stage productions I've seen. Too bad tonight is the last performance because I had an absolute blast and would highly recommend it. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "bad set"
  Review posted by: jim from boston, MA, Nov 14, 2009
  

  The set was very disappointing. It was a poster that changed angles with every act. Could they not afford something better? This detracted from the singing.

  The set was very disappointing. It was a poster that changed angles with every act. Could they not afford something better? This detracted from the singing.

• Event Name: Carmen
  "silly"
  Review posted by: don from Boston, Nov 12, 2009
  

  Stage setting had a giant postcard suspended above the stage that just got in the way and got distracting. Changes to the script and scenes didn't add much. On the other hand, the principals, with... Expand

  Stage setting had a giant postcard suspended above the stage that just got in the way and got distracting. Changes to the script and scenes didn't add much. On the other hand, the principals, with the exception of Michaela whose voice was kind or reedy and weak in the lower registers was quite good and the orchestra was terrific under Keith Lockhart. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "Great Intro to Opera"
  Review posted by: NewToOpera from Cambridge, MA, Nov 11, 2009
  

  This was one of the first operas I've seen and I enjoyed it from the beginning all through the end. From Carmen's stunning entrance (first character on stage wearing any color) to the dramatic finish... Expand

  This was one of the first operas I've seen and I enjoyed it from the beginning all through the end. From Carmen's stunning entrance (first character on stage wearing any color) to the dramatic finish I was highly stimulated by the sights, sounds and emotions on stage. The use of the spoken word to further the plot greatly enhanced the experience as well. I look forward to seeing other productions by BLO soon. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "no sizzle"
  Review posted by: jim from Cape Cod, Nov 10, 2009
  

  An emotional, not musical, review: I was really looking forward to this performance, but was disappointed. As the other reviewer said, Carmen herself was crass, not sensuous. No real sparks with Don... Expand

  An emotional, not musical, review: I was really looking forward to this performance, but was disappointed. As the other reviewer said, Carmen herself was crass, not sensuous. No real sparks with Don Jose, who seemed to love his offstage mommy more than her. It was difficult to feel anything for them. Kept thinking the set designer must have had his budget slashed. The music didn't move me. Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  "Mixed feelings"
  Review posted by: Salaviei from Boston, MA USA, Nov 07, 2009
  

  Set - to me, it appeared like a seventh grade science project... in other words tacky and unimaginative. A lot can be done tactfully with simplicity, but those pink stones just looked like they... Expand

  Set - to me, it appeared like a seventh grade science project... in other words tacky and unimaginative. A lot can be done tactfully with simplicity, but those pink stones just looked like they were from Mars. French - some were better than others Carmen - voice good, would have liked to hear more chest but of course there are many schools of thought on this, I felt a sense of non- legato/detachment due to her dramatic use of dynamics. use of French dialogue needs some work, acting... Of course Carmen is supposed to be the essence of sensuousness, but some of her movements and posturings were crass (always sitting with her legs open, squatting down to sit....) I think this really stood out to me because her level of acting left Don Jose in the dust...His acting at times is stiff and unnatural - they were not a good match Michaela - too serious, pretty voice but character 1-D Collapse

Media Reviews

• Event Name: Carmen
  Article: Carmen
  EDGE Contributor - Nov 09, 2009
  By Ed Tapper

  French opera continues to be a curiously elusive genre on our musical stages. Whether it is the difficulty of the sung, French language, a scarcity of singers to do it justice, or a general decline in its popularity, it seems to have taken a subsidia… Expand

  French opera continues to be a curiously elusive genre on our musical stages. Whether it is the difficulty of the sung, French language, a scarcity of singers to do it justice, or a general decline in its popularity, it seems to have taken a subsidiary position to Italian, German, and even Eastern European forms---much to the dismay of Francophiles and true, opera buffs. With its sumptuous production of Massenet’s Thais a few seasons back, Boston Lyric Opera distinguished itself as our sole bastion of French opera. For its season-opener, the company chose the grand-daddy, or should we say, the big mama of them all--- Bizet’s Carmen.
  Collapse

• Event Name: Carmen
  Article: For BLO, a potent new chamber “Carmen”
  Boston Globe - Nov 07, 2009
  By Jeremy Eichler

  Boston Lyric Opera’s general director Esther Nelson has promised more homegrown new productions for the company, and she is keeping her word. Last night at the Shubert Theatre, BLO opened its season with a new “Carmen,’’ presented in a stripped-down,… Expand

  Boston Lyric Opera’s general director Esther Nelson has promised more homegrown new productions for the company, and she is keeping her word. Last night at the Shubert Theatre, BLO opened its season with a new “Carmen,’’ presented in a stripped-down, theatrically intense staging by Nicholas Muni.
  
  Collapse