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OperaNotes Review
Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ
October 22, 2004
By Charlene Frank
Carmen
Philharmonic Society of Northern
N.J.
Music: Georges Bizet
Musical Director and Conductor: James A. Biddlecome
Chorus Director: Joshua Green
Chorus: CantaLyrica
Cast:
Carmen: Jennifer
Hines
Don Jose: Richard Cox
Micaela: Cheryl Evans
Escamillo: Richard Byrne
Narrator: Bob Gibson
It's always great to see cultural performances, especially with this level of talent, in smaller communities outside of Manhattan. Last night opera singers from the New York City Opera joined the North Jersey Philharmonic to bring an abbreviated concert of Carmen to Bergen County New Jersey. The audience was full of families who would probably not bring their kids in to the Met or New York City Opera, but at $20.00 a ticket, they could enjoy top level talent and the kids could see that opera isn't something from another planet.
Bob Gibson narrated the story of Carmen introducing each the main arias. It was unusual for a concert to have such a narration, but for the children in the audience it was a good means tell them about the story of love, deceit and tragedy they were hearing from these delightful artists.
Jennifer Hines' very large dark and mesmerizing mezzo-soprano is surprising from such a petite woman. Wearing a black and red gypsy style gown, she captivated the audience as one of operas great seductresses, Carmen. The deep sensuality of her voice and her captivating movements on stage were no match for the naive and ill-fated Don Jose.
Richard Cox was an emotional and believable Don Jose, trying to be true to the values and love of his earlier life. Carmen simply overwhelmed him. His voice was strong and lyrical, and his acting intense. In the final scene, taunted by Carmen, as his tears fell, he may have been in wearing a tuxedo in Hackensack, but the audience saw the crazed, broken Don Jose outside the bull ring in Sevilla.
Cheryl Evans, in her gown of innocent yellow was superb as the angelic Micaela. Ms. Evans is an extraordinary soprano who was able to take the small role of the sweet, pure girl from the small town, and turn it into a major role, where she can go from tender and sweet sounds of adoration to strong crystal clear high notes and midrange power.
It was a very nice evening and a reminder to keep your eye on what is happening in your town. You never know when you may get a visit from talents like these. Take advantage of it when you can.