Yesterday afternoon was the first orchestra dress rehearsal for the American premiere of Unsuk Chin’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND, in a very imaginative and clever production by OTSL’s artistic director James Robinson. Particularly considering the fact that this was the first time all the elements were coming together (orchestra, singers, sets and costumes) it went amazingly well and promises to be a big hit for the company.
Last night was a production of CARMEN done as a 1940s film noir, with all the sets and costumes in black and white (and various shades of grey.) The standout performance was soprano Corinne Winters as “Micaela”, but this happens so often in this opera. The poor mezzo playing the title role sings her heart out, and the soprano singing “Micaela” walks away with the show. The last time Dallas Opera did CARMEN in 2004, Latonia Moore, who was making her TDO debut as “Micaela” won the Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year Award that season.
By the way, just a reminder, but Latonia returns to Dallas to open our season in the fall in the title role of Verdi’s AIDA.