Dear Kathleen,
I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to e mail you. The Carmen performances at Harrisburg were quite satisfying! The Carmen really looked and sang the part well. On Sunday, at her death, her head fell down a step. She really looked dead! Don Jose and she really acted their conflict outside the bullfight ring well! I was impressed in act I when Don Jose and his friend appeared seated on the right side of the stage. Their uniforms really looked military. I was kind of taken aback for a moment. And no one needs apologize for the Central Pa Youth opera. They had a good sound. I’ve already gotten my libretto for Traviata. I’ll miss your work until next autumn.
Appreciatively Yours,
Doug Heckert
PS: My passion for opera began with a television explanation of the opera Carmen by ‘Lenny’ Bernstein back in the 1960s. Within a short time of his explanation, I was listening to radio broadcasts from the Met.
(Cap Opera Harrisburg)