Director Tim Ocel…tastefully cranks the musk up to maximum in a satisfying,
libidinous, entertaining and carefully thought-out production of this timeless classic. …eschews the
usual histrionic acting style associated with opera. …the entire cast forgoes, for the most part, grand
vocal gestures… an exceptional supporting cast… A fine balance is struck between colloquial dialogue
and the slightly more formal language in which the songs are couched. Again the result is an element of
realism rarely achieved—or, for that matter,attempted—in opera. The staging eloquently restates this
aesthetic. …exceptional production… more...
Carmen
Opera Theatre of St. Louis, 2004
Tim Ocel’s vivid, traditional staging and Dean Williamson’s sure command from
the pit highlighted the ensemble aspect of this production, with sharp characterizations from the entire
cast. more...