St Petersburg Opera Closes Season with CARMEN June 4-6

St. Petersburg Opera closes its fourth season with Bizet's Carmen, the story of a beautiful gypsy with a fiery temper June 4-6 at Hough Concert Hall (253 Fifth Avenue North).  Maestro Mark Sforzini will be leading the acclaimed St. Petersburg Opera Orchestra, with Dean Anthony of Shreveport Opera providing the stage direction. Showtimes are Friday, June 4 and Saturday, June 5 at 7:30PM and Sunday, June 6 at 2 PM. Tickets are $20-$61.50. Tickets and information are available at www.mypalladium.org, by phone at 727-822-3590.  

Loose and wild with her love, Carmen seduces the corporal Don José, an inexperienced soldier. Their relationship leads to his rejection of his former lover, Micaela, mutiny against his superior, and joining a gang of smugglers. The music will be familiar, having been used in countless advertising campaigns and movies, but it never loses its appeal. Carmen will be played by Cherry Duke, who has sung with major opera companies such as New York City Opera and Glimmerglass. Don Jose will be played by Mark Nicolson (Friday and Sunday) and John Tsotsoros (Saturday), both of whom have previously performed the role. Escamilla, the bull fighter, will be sung by David Lara, with Micaela, the innocent girlfriend, played by Susan Hellman.

Performances will be June 4 and June 5 at 7:30 p.m. and June 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave., St. Petersburg, FL.  Tickets are available at the Palladium Box Office, by telephone at 727-822-3590, or at www.mypalladium.org.