CARMEN

Opera Australia’s current production of Carmen is a sensuous affair. Rinat Shaham – the Israeli born mezzo soprano – performs the fiery Gypsy lead role voluptuously. Her rich voice is sweet and sultry. As she stomps across the stage and clacks her castanets, steam practically rises off the stage.  What chance does the naive Don Jose have against such a tempestuous temptress? The straight-laced, innocent Corporal, played by the American tenor Richard Troxell is handsome in his own right. Troxell who stepped into the role following a cast illness sings with strength and passion. From start to finish the production oozes sex appeal. When the New Zealand born, bass baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes bursts onto stage dressed in full matador regalia – belting out the famous aria, Toreador the excitement is palpable. Rhodes, who recently performed the role at the New York Metropolitan Opera, has fast become an international sex symbol in an art form more famous for fat singers than muscle men clad in tights. Cast as the Toreador, Rhodes is a formidable competitor to Troxell as the two men vie for Shaham’s affections. From the rousing overture to tragic finale, Carmen is certainly one of the most accessible of operas in the traditional cannon. Opera Australia’s production complete with Spanish dancers, glittering costumes and some of the most famous operatic arias make this a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable performance.

Until Mar 30, Sydney Opera House, $55-297, opera-australia.org.au