Jazzy Latin Bizet – "Carmen la Cubana" – Saturday, 30 April

I was fascinated when I saw the listing for “Carmen la Cubana” at Théâtre du Châtelet, and managed to get a ticket for the final performance.  What a riot!  Bizet’s melodies adapted to an unmistakable Latin beat and inflection and style.  A pit orchestra replaced with a loose, jazzy Latin dance band (Ricky Ricardo only aspired to this level of cool!) – brass, reeds, percussion, piano, solo violin.  Formal Flamenco replaced with sensuous Salsa and African style dancing. Operatic voices replaced with musical theatre voices.  In Spanish with French supertitles.  It was amazing and fun and felt “real.”

Here’s a 1-minute clip of the directors presenting the stage design and show concept to the cast:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PacEvHGRAU

And in this article you’ll find a 3-minute clip showing some of the music and dance:  http://culturebox.francetvinfo.fr/scenes/comedie-musicale/carmen-la-cubana-bizet-a-la-sauce-rumba-et-salsa-au-theatre-du-chatelet-237725

The venue was only slightly problematic.  I was able to take an elevator up to the balcony 2 lobby, then there were just a few stairs into the balcony.  But the steps down to my row were very steep with no railing.  A nice woman tried to help me, but she didn’t really offer a steady arm to lean on – she sort of moved with me rather than holding still. But then a nice gentleman happened along who gave me a very strong arm to grab – it was almost like grabbing a railing!  People here can be SO gracious and helpful.  The rows are a bit close together and cramped, but happily my seat was on the aisle, with no seat in front of me, so I was able to stretch out my leg when I needed to!

“All you hear is from the opera. It is just arranged differently," said Manny Schvartzman, music director, in an interview.  I hope that Bizet would approve.  But hey, does it matter?  Given the crowds this show has gathered, the public seems to approve!

the stage

more of the hall

the view from my seat