San Diego Opera Brings Carmen Back to the Civic Theatre – and She’s as Irresistible as Ever

If you’ve ever wanted to experience opera at its most dramatic and electric, this is the one. San Diego Opera is closing out its 2025-26 season with Georges Bizet’s Carmen, and it’s running for three performances only at the San Diego Civic Theatre this March.

A Story of Obsession, Freedom, and a Flower That Changes Everything

The story centers on Carmen, a fiercely independent woman who sets off a chain of events simply by tossing a flower to a soldier named Don José. He becomes consumed by her, abandons his post, and falls in with her band of smugglers – all for a woman who won’t be owned by anyone.

When Carmen’s attention shifts to a charismatic bullfighter named Escamillo, Don José’s obsession reaches a breaking point.

It’s the kind of story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go, and Bizet’s score makes every moment hit harder. The “Habanera,” the “Toreador Song,” and one of opera’s most celebrated overtures are all here, and hearing them performed live is something else entirely.

A Double-Cast Production With Some Serious Talent

San Diego Opera is bringing serious firepower to this production. Mezzo-soprano Melody Wilson takes on Carmen for the Friday and Sunday performances, while mezzo Guadalupe Paz steps into the role on Saturday.

Tenors Thomas Kinch and Jonny Kaufmann share the role of Don José across the run, with Aleksey Bogdanov as Escamillo and Lydia Grindatto as Micaela.

Double-casting Carmen and Don José – two of opera’s most demanding roles – means each singer can bring full intensity to their performance without compromising on vocal power. We’re in for the best of both worlds.

Pre-Show Talks, Post-Show Conversations, and More

San Diego Opera has built in some great extras around the performances. Arrive early and catch a free 25-minute pre-show talk in the auditorium, starting 50 minutes before curtain – it’s a solid way to get oriented before the first note plays, especially if you’re newer to opera.

Following the Saturday and Sunday performances, there’s also a Q&A with San Diego Opera staff and cast members in the Dress Circle seating section. If you want to dig a little deeper into the production, it’s a great opportunity.

What to Know Before You Go

Doors open 90 minutes before showtime, and the venue strongly recommends arriving early – latecomers may be held in the lobby until intermission. Note that children under six are not admitted, and all guests six and up need their own tickets.

Tickets are available through San Diego Theatres, Ticketmaster, and San Diego Opera. Just a heads-up that those are the only authorized sellers for this event.

See you there!

Carmen is one of those productions that reminds us why live opera is so worth experiencing – we’ll see you at the Civic Theatre.

📆 Friday, March 27, 7:30 PM | Saturday, March 28, 7:30 PM | Sunday, March 29, 2 PM
📍 1100 3rd Ave, San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!