Bizet at the Water’s Edge, LA Opera Beams Carmen to the Santa Monica Pier for Free
LA Opera will simulcast its new Carmen from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, October 17, at 6 p.m.
On Saturday evening the Santa Monica Pier will have a second stage, fed by a stage downtown. LA Opera’s opening night performance of Bizet’s Carmen at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion will be broadcast live to giant LED screens at the pier, free, as the company’s annual Opera at the Beach.
The Plan
Pre-show activities start at 4 p.m. and the broadcast begins at 6 p.m., according to LA Opera’s event page. Admission is free and open to all ages, with an optional RSVP for updates. ArtsBeat LA reported that seven high-definition cameras capture the performance, with subtitles in English and Spanish, and that guests who sign up in advance receive a free gift at the event. Expect balloon art, face painting, crafts, local performers and food vendors before curtain.
Bring blankets, low lawn chairs and a jacket. Outside food and nonalcoholic drinks are allowed, while pets, large coolers, tents, canopies and sun umbrellas are not, and bags are checked at the entrance. Because of construction at the pier, LA Opera encourages carpooling, rideshare and transit, and ArtsBeat LA points riders to the Metro E Line’s Downtown Santa Monica Station.
On the Podium and Onstage
Domingo Hindoyan conducts what ArtsBeat LA calls his first performance as the company’s new music director. Rihab Chaieb sings Carmen, with Joshua Guerrero as Don José, Kathleen O’Mara as Micaëla and Liam James Karai as Escamillo. Thaddeus Strassberger directs and designs the new production and Antonio Najarro choreographs. Velvet previewed the staging in its look at the season opener.
A Second Screen in Hacienda Heights
The company is also showing the broadcast at William Steinmetz Park in Hacienda Heights, 1545 S. Stimson Ave., with pre-show events from 4:30 p.m. and free parking. ArtsBeat LA says it is the first time the annual simulcast has gone there. Both screenings are supported by Los Angeles County. “Free events like this make the arts more accessible and create opportunities for Angelenos to come together and enjoy something special,” Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath told NBC Los Angeles.
Practical Details
Saturday, October 17, at the Santa Monica Pier. Pre-show from 4 p.m., opera at 6 p.m. Free. The performance runs about three and a half hours with one intermission, sung in French with English and Spanish subtitles.
