Gypsy tale
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By Lynn Roberts
The story of gypsies, tramps, thieves and love
will unfold when the opera "Carmen" comes to
stage at Kimball Recital Hall this week.
The opera, a production of the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln's (UN-L) opera class, is
directed by Roger Stephens.
"Carmen," one of the most popular operas,
was chosen for that reason and also because of
the people available to play lead roles, said
Richard Grace, musical director of the opera.
Most everyone has at least heard the name
"Carmen," and is familiar with some, of the
music, said John Brandstetter, house manager at
Kimball Hall.
The cast will include 1 7 fifth and sixth graders
who will play poor village boys in the opera.
Carmen agypsy
The opera tells the story of Carmen, a gypsy
girl, who has taken into her charms a guard
corporal, Don Jose, who has renounced the love
of his village swee theart , Micaela, for Carmen .
During a quarrel Carmen wounds one of her
companions and Jose is ordered by his captain,
Zuniga, to arrest her. Jose lets Carmen escape
and is imprisoned.
After Jose is released from prison he is forced
to join a group of gypsy smugglers, of which
Carmen is a member, when Zuniga orders him to
leave Carmen.
Josen, who takes no interest in the smugglers
actions, begins to regret his decision to join
them. Carmen, who is beginning to tire of him,
Carmen
torments him and advises Nhim to return to his
mother.
Jose meets Escamillo
While guarding stolen goods Jose meets
Escamillo, who claims he is there to meet his
Sweetheart, Carmen, although she has resisted his
advances.
Jose is then summoned by Micaela to return
to his dying mother and as he leaves warns
Carmen they will meet again.
In the final act Jose and Carmen meet and he
begs her to be his. She scorns his attempts and
tells him she loves Escamillo.
Colorful costumes rented from Brooks-Van
Horn of New York add contrast to the striking
set designed by Don Yanik.
Spoken in English
Brandstetter said they are not performing the
traditional "Carmen" in that there will be spoken
dialogue and it will be done in English.
The cast includes: Rick Brandt, Don Jose;
John Brandstetter, Escamillo; Brad Kroeker,
Zuniga; Dale Ganz, Morales; Lynelle Frankforter,
Carmen; Jane Mathew, Micaela; Carol Penterman,
Frasquita; Sara Ganz, Mercedes; Vaugh Fritts,
Dancairo; Chuck Vail, Remendado.
A chorus of more than 40 rounds out the cast.
Frankforter, Sara Ganz, Brandt, Mathew and
Brandstetter will be making their last appearance
at Kimball Hall as UN-L students.
"Carmen" will be at 8 p.m. July 10 and 12
and at 3 p.m. July 13. Tickets are $2.50 for
students and $3.00 for general adrnission.
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