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Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com
Live Opera Is Back!
November 20, 2020
REH Fine Art at GRAYSPACE 219 Gray Avenue, in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone
Save a parking spot for OperaSB’s Carmen Drive-In!
W
ITH THE THE SIZZLING SEDUCTRESS CARMEN AT THE CENTER OF A FOUR CHARACTER CAST, Opera Santa Barbara is signaling the return of live opera with their production of Carmen, A Live Drive-In Opera, the company’s first live drive-in opera production. Part of the Concerts In Your Car series at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, the single performance will take place on Sunday, December 6th, at 2pm. This production marks OperaSB’s first live stage performance since COVID-19 led to cancellations and postponements around the world in early spring of this year. Carmen, A Live Drive-In Opera is based on an adaptation by acclaimed British director Peter Brook of Georges Bizet’s classic hit. The 90-minute opera is an up-close and personal look at the loves and rivals of our titular heroine. Reimagined with only the four principal characters, come hear mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock (2019, The Crucible) as Carmen in what will surely be a commanding performance in a signature role. Rounding out the quartet are Joshua Wheeker as Don José, Alexander Elliott (2018, The Barber of Seville) as Escamillo, and returning Chrisman Studio Artist soprano Jennifer Lindsay as Micaëla. Directed by Sara E. Widzer and conducted by Mezzo-soprano Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas featuring members Audrey Babcock of the OSB Orchestra. Opera Santa Barbara has continued to When it comes to the ability develop alternative programming throughout to comfort, move, and inspire shutdown over the last six months. This includes livestream events, Balcony Jam Sessions, and the human soul, nothing a variety of digital content across all of their compares to vibrant live platforms. But the core mission and hope for the theater. Our communities company has been to have live opera. Unable need the healing power of to perform live in Santa Barbara County due the arts now more than ever. to a live performance ban, they have been keen to work with Concerts In Your Car in Ventura We are thrilled to be able to County following successful live drive-in bring live opera safely back, performances in California from other opera for the sake of our community companies such as Pacific Opera Project and San and our artists. This will be Diego Opera. an afternoon that we will “When it comes to the ability to comfort, remember for years to come. move, and inspire the human soul, nothing compares to vibrant live theater. Our – Maestro Kostis Protopapas communities need the healing power of the arts now more than ever. We are thrilled to be able to bring live opera safely back, for the sake of our community and our artists. This will be an afternoon that we will remember for years to come,” said Maestro Protopapas.
Artists: Anthony Askew, Charlene Broudy, Pamela Enticknap, Ruth Ellen Hoag, Rod Lathim, Joan Rosenberg-Dent, Christopher Rupp
Magic of e Holidays
– Art is a thoughtful gift
Opens Friday, November 27th Opening weekend hours: 11-5 Fri • Sat • Sun Runs through Dec 20th; 12-5 Thurs – Sun
All Protocols observed. Appointments available. Call: 805-689-0858 or Email: ruth@grayspaceart.com
Santa BarBara’S Great neiGhBorhood Spot! Check out our heated outdoor patios for dine in service! Take-out and Delivery also available!
The event will follow all CDC and State of California guidelines. Attendees can enjoy the live stage performance from the safe and socially-distanced comfort of their vehicles. Opera Santa Barbara recommends guests only attend the opera with people they have already been quarantining with. Attendees can stay inside or by their vehicle as they are allowed to sit in folding chairs by their vehicle but must wear a face mask and maintain social distancing. The show will include a visual light show and multimedia entertainment across video screens. The combination of an extra high 360-degree stage and screens will ensure a good viewing experience for everyone. Sound will come through your car stereo, like a traditional drive-in theater on your FM radio. The opera will be sung in French with English translations projected on screen.
Try some of our classic comfort food favorites: • Pan seared salmon with Thai Green Curry • Authentic Swedish Meatballs • Fried Chicken and Kale Salad • Vegetarian Impossible Chili • Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder and Grits • LK’s Famous Chicken Tikka Masala as well as many vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options
Tickets are on sale now at: www.concertsinyourcar.com/ventura. Each ticket is valid for one car. The number of passengers must not exceed the number of safety belts /seats in your vehicle, up to eight people. Car tickets start at $79.
Photos by Zach Mendez Photography
• Serving local craft beer and wine!
delicious, healthy food at a price you can afford!
www.littlekitchen.com 17 W ORTEGA ST. | LITTLEKITCHENSB.COM | 805.770.2299
DINNER HOURS: TUES-THURS, AND SUNDAY 5PM-9:30PM; FRI-SAT 5PM-10PM