Carmen
This all-star cast is framed by Peter Hall’s gritty, realistic production and conducted by James Levine, who brings out all the surging emotion and gripping drama in Bizet’s score. At the center of the story is Agnes Baltsa, whose smoky mezzo is tailor-made for the gypsy Carmen, an independent woman who glories in obeying only her own rules, but who is haunted by fate. Superstar tenor José Carreras is Don José, the solider from a small town who catches Carmen’s eye and is destroyed by his growing obsession with her. Samuel Ramey is the charismatic matador Escamillo, who lures Carmen away from Don José with tragic result. Leona Mitchell is Micaëla, the simple girl from Don José’s hometown who cannot save him. March 21, 1987 Matinee Broadcast.
Cast
Agnes Baltsa
as Carmen
José Carreras
as Don José
Samuel Ramey
as Escamillo
Leona Mitchell
as Micaëla
Myra Merritt
as Frasquita
Diane Kesling
as Mercédès
Anthony Laciura
as Remendado
Ara Berberian
as Zuniga
Vernon Hartman
as Morales
Bruce Hubbard
as Dancaire
