Oscar Hammerstein II adapted the book and lyrics from Bizet’s opera Carmen into a successful Broadway musical which premiered in 1943. Later made into a movie starring Dorothy Dandridge, she became the first African American woman nominated for lead actress at the Academy Awards. Carmen Jones was reset from Southern Spain to the American South where the title character works in a war factory that manufactures parachutes. She remained a fiery temptress. Director John Doyle (Sweeney Todd, Company) and his Classic Stage Company have revived this piece in a bare bones staging. The level of excellence is staggering.
Anika Noni Rose (Caroline, or Change, A Raisin in the Sun) is a sultry and seductive Carmen, the textbook definition of a classic femme fatale. The unfortunate target of her latest desire is Army man Joe (Clifton Duncan). Lindsay Roberts plays Cindy Lou, the girl from home who simply cannot compete with the passionate and erotic bombshell that is Carmen. All three perfectly inhabit these meaty roles. Every movement, every facial expression, every word has meaning and purpose. Their singing is dramatic and gorgeous, connecting beautifully with Bizet’s famous music.
The audience surrounds the action on all four sides. The sound design (Dan Moses Schreier) is effective in turning a cast of ten into a stunning, full throttle operatic musical. Similar to the staging of Mr. Doyle’s other shows, this one has just a few props amidst a minimalistic set design. All of these performers expertly transform a nearly empty stage into an atmospheric, living, breathing tale filled with emotions and suffering. Carmen Jones is a glorious presentation of a theatrical masterpiece and the first revival in New York since its premiere 75 years ago. This grand achievement should be headed uptown to Broadway.