http://articles.philly.com/2011-10-02/news/30235390_1_bizet-s-carmen-rinat-shaham-free-simulcast
'Carmen' draws a crowd to see mall simulcast Quan Nguyen 10/02/2011
"Tonight we are not alone," Stephen A. Madva, board chairman of the Opera Company of Philadelphia, said to nearly 2,200 people Friday at the Academy of Music as he introduced what is arguably the most popular opera of all time. His words rang true to another crowd, 5,300 strong, braving the rain on Independence Mall. As their compatriots watched inside, the crowd on the mall was treated to a free simulcast of the company's season-opening production of Bizet's Carmen. "I think it's wonderful. It reminds me of the old days of Robin Hood Dell" when the Philadelphia Orchestra played outdoor summer concerts, said Mary Dickler, 75. Her friend examined the people around them. "One thing I think is nice is that when you look around, you get to see all age groups," said Jan Ackerman, 81. The turnout was diverse. College students, parents and their children, grandparents and their grandchildren, foreigners, all there to be captivated by Carmen, shown on a 40-foot-wide screen. They sprawled on blankets they had laid out on the mall. Many brought collapsible chairs. The first 2,500 to arrive received free seat cushions from Phillyfunguide.com. Mayor Nutter and Cynthia MacLeod, superintendent of Independence National Historical Park, welcomed the crowd. Hana Mura, 20, a student at Temple University, said she couldn't resist the obvious incentive. "I go to college," she said. "It's important to go to as many free events as possible." Although they have frequented opera in its more conventional indoor setting, Linda and Marty Millison don't consider themselves "opera buffs." "We are interested in all cultural stuff in the city," Linda Millison said. "Also," added her husband, "we love Carmen - the music, the familiarity, the idea, the characters." Carmen is part love story and part tragic tale of friendship and betrayal. The title character, played here by mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham, is famous for her unconventional and playful personality. "She's high-spirited, spitfire," Linda Millison said. Mura said, "It's easy for me to relate to a strong female role."