Opera at the Academy

PHILADELPHIA - September 25, 2011 (WPVI) -- The Opera Company of Philadelphia is opening its fall season with a classic production but its being shown in a way like never before.

Opening night will feature Carmen, Bizet's beguiling tale of seduction, obsession and betrayal. The opera opens September 30th at the Academy of Music. You can watch it there or you can grab a blanket or chair and head to the Independence Mall lawn for the opera company's first ever free live simulcast.

The title role of Carmen is played by the Curtis trained Rinat Shaham, considered one of the foremost Carmen interpreters. She's performed the role hundreds of times.

Rinat Shaham, "Carmen" says, "I don't think you can get any better character to play than Carmen. She's very charismatic and she's playful and yeah, she's very idealistic. She believes in something and she goes for it and I just like being on stage as her."

The all-star cast also features Philadelphia soprano Ailyn Perez and acclaimed tenor David Pomeroy, making his Philadelphia debut as Don Jose, the naïve young corporal who falls for the bewitching Carmen.

David Pomeroy, 'Don Jose' says, "I think the actual opera, Carmen, it appeals to the masses. I mean everybody loves the story. Musically speaking, there's so many famous and memorable melodies that people will recognize and hear."

For example, the Toreador song, everybody knows it. It's even a phone ring. It's a great drama and music. It's just this big happening. Even if you've never seen opera in your life I think Carmen is the best opera to see as a first timer." added Shaham.

Opening night is next Friday, September 30th at 8pm. For tickets or to register for the free simulcast, go to Opera Company of Philadelphia.

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lifestyle, 6abc loves the arts, karen rogers

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