Bizet’s sizzling epic of dark passion, Carmen, tells the story of a fierce woman who lives life on her own terms – and the men who can’t let her go. Don José, a soldier drawn into her orbit, abandons everything for Carmen’s love, only to find himself consumed by jealousy when her attentions shift to the dashing bullfighter, Escamillo. With its twisting tale of romance, deceit, and disaster set to magnetic melodies, Bizet’s masterpiece, Carmen, has become one of the world’s most popular operas. Featuring some of the most popular music to ever grace the opera stage, Carmen brings every aspect of Bizet’s thrilling tale to life, from its tantalizing beginning to its devastating climax. Under the baton of Adam Turner (Toledo Opera’s Il Trovatore, and Roméo & Juliet), Toledo Opera’s vibrant original production is not to be missed.

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Carmen

Valentine Theatre

In this gripping rendition of Bizet’s iconic opera, set against the backdrop of Franco’s Spain in 1937, Carmen emerges not only as a femme fatale but also as a courageous freedom fighter, defying authority at every turn. Carmen’s fiery spirit captivates audiences and reminds us of the consequences of passion unchecked. With its timeless themes of love and betrayal, Carmen remains an electrifying masterpiece.

Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center For The Performing Arts

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

Street Scene—Frost Opera Theater and the Frost

University of Miami

Canio’s not clowning around. His beautiful wife Nedda longs to be free of his clumsy embraces, of her life as a traveling actor, and from the advances of the vile Tonio. When Canio catches her with her lover Silvio, only the start of the troupe’s performance can stay his hand … but not for long. Leoncavallo’s gritty and gorgeous score, based on a true incident witnessed by his policeman father, culminates in one of the most famous and tragic tenor arias of all time: “Vesti la giubba,” the original “Tears of a Clown.”

I Pagliacci

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

The hottest party girl in town is hiding a terrible secret. Violetta Valéry is the most sought-after courtesan in Paris. Only the ardent Alfredo sees through her mask of gaiety to the real woman and her well-disguised suffering. But the love that could save her life is threatened by the demands of Alfredo’s furious father Germont, who insists on a devastating sacrifice to save his own family from disgrace and ruin. Even a heart of gold can shatter under such a strain. From the defiant coloratura flights of “Sempre libera” to the sobbing violins of “Addio del passato,” Alexander Dumas, fils’ semi-autobiographical story and Giuseppe Verdi’s timeless score will alternately lift your spirits and break your heart.

Rosa Mercedes

Events

Past events

10 - 12 Oct, 2025

Carmen · Toledo Opera

12 - 26 Apr, 2025

Carmen · Florida Grand Opera

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