Saturday, September 24 , 2022, 1:19 am | Fair 60º
Source: David Elzer for Ensemble Theatre Company
Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) presents "Carmen Jones," the first show of its 2022-23 season; with preview at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 and opening at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. The show runs through Sunday, Oct. 23 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara.
"Carmen Jones," is an adaptation of the opera "Carmen" by Geogres Bizet with new lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Choreography is by Lisa Ruffin, musical direction by William Foster McDaniel, and directed by Jonathan Fox.
The classic story of the bewitching Carmen is reset in a parachute factory during 1940’s World War II. Featuring an African American cast, in this revised version, the most provocative (and trouble-making) employee at the factory is Carmen Jones who is arrested by the military for again causing trouble.
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Jones uses her seductive ways on the corporal assigned to guard her, Joe, who soon forgets his local sweetheart, Cindy Lou, and runs off to Chicago with Carmen. Husky Miller, a champion boxer on the military base, is also in Chicago for a major bout in the ring and a dangerous love triangle ensues when Carmen finds herself quickly drawn to the boxer.
Several memorable musical numbers have come from this rarely performed new score, including “Dat's Love,” “Dere's a Café on de Corner,” “Stan' Up and Fight,” and “Beat Out Dat Rhythm on a Drum.”
The cast of "Carmen Jones" features Fredricka Meek as Carmen Jones, Chauncey Packer as Joe, Zelda Carmen as Cindy Lou, Troy Wallace as Husky, Nataley Carter as Myrt, Ashli Ferguson as Sally, Christopher James Hester as Rum, Michael Howard-Dossett as Sergeant Brown/Higgins, Constance Jewell Lopez as Franky, and Desmond Newson as Dink. Scenic and lighting design are by Francois-Pierre Couture; sound design by Randall Robert Tico; costume design by Alex Jaeger; properties design by John M. McElveney; casting by Amy Lieberman. Anna Jensen is the Dramaturg and the production stage manager is Sarah Dawn Lowry. "Carmen Jones" is made possible through the generosity of ETC’s 2022-23 Season Sponsor Dana White and show sponsors Dana White and the Zegar Family Foundation. Additional sponsorship from Eve Berstein, Helene Segal, and George Konstantinow.
Ticket prices are $40-$84. Single tickets are available through the ETC box office, 805-965-5400, or online at etcsb.org. Prices subject to change.
The New Vic has upgraded its theater’s ventilation system to meet current standards, including higher grade filters and bringing in 40% outdoor air. Lobby restrooms have additional air-purifying stations. Visit www.etcsb.org for updated procedures before your scheduled performance date.
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