A+E INSIDE: FLORIDA FAVORITES: From freshsqueezed orange juice to Key Lime pie. 3 >
BLACK
TIE INSIDE:
< ALL ABOUT THE DOTS: Selby Gardens’ Orchid Ball honors artist. 8
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 15, 2024
YOUROBSERVER.COM
A ‘CARMEN’ FOR THE AGES Despite recent trends, Sarasota Opera takes a traditional approach to the popular Bizet opera. MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
T
o update or not update: That is the question. At least,
that’s the one facing Sarasota Opera and other companies when they produce “Carmen” and other classic works. A wide-ranging discussion with Sarasota Opera General Director Richard Russell and Sarasota Opera Director of Education Martha Collins on this question took a funny turn when Russell pointed out a memorable moment in popular culture involving “Carmen,” Georges Bizet’s tale of a free-spirited gypsy. It came during the 1960s when Bob Denver, star of the hit TV show “Gilligan’s Island,” sang Shakespeare’s famous question, “To be, or not to be” to the tune of SEE CARMEN, PAGE 2
IF YOU GO
‘CARMEN’ When: Feb. 17 through March 22 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $32-$155. Info: Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Image courtesy of Rod Millington
Chelsea Laggan throws aside her lover for the dashing bullfighter, played by Andrew Manea, in Sarasota Opera’s production of “Carmen.”