Photo Flash: Frank Wildhorn's 'Carmen' Has Premiere in Prague

Carmen had its world premiere October 2, 2008 in Prague, Czech Republic. The book is by Norman Allen, the lyrics by Jack Murphy and it is directed Gabriel Barre who also did the NY workshop. The musical supervisor is Adrian Werum. Orchestrations are by Kim Scharnberg and arrangements by Koen Schoots. The show is quite the success with the first run completely sold out. Sales have now opened for 2009 with 60% already sold. 

 Czech Super Star Lucie Bilá will star as Carmen. According to press notes, "Frank Wildhorn's Carmen is a contemporary tale inspired by the Prosper Mérimée novel which contains the essence of the famous characters but explores the story in a brand new way. Carmen is part of a circus, which gives the show great visuals (set and costumes by Andrea Bartha)." The peformance contains actors as well as animals and circus performers. The show will run at the newly renovated Karlin Theater in Prague run by Egon Kulhanek. Adam Novak will do the translation into Czech.

The NY workshop took place in March 2008 and featured Jenny Powers as Carmen, Brandi Burkhardt as Katarina, Rita Gardner as Aunt Inez, Ryan Silverman as Jose, Thoma Sesma-Garcia, and  Nick Wyman as the Mayor. 

Frank Wildhorn, Lucie Bila and Gabriel Barre

The cast of Carmen

Frank Wildhorn