Carmen
“'Carmen' makes high-caliber comeback at the Met”
Synopsis
This all-star cast is framed by Peter Hall’s gritty, realistic production and conducted by James Levine, who brings out all the surging emotion and gripping drama in Bizet’s score. At the center of the story is Agnes Baltsa, whose smoky mezzo is tailor-made for the gypsy Carmen, an independent woman who glories in obeying only her own rules, but who is haunted by fate. Superstar tenor José Carreras is Don José, the solider from a small town who catches Carmen’s eye and is destroyed by his growing obsession with her. Samuel Ramey is the charismatic matador Escamillo, who lures Carmen away from Don José with tragic result. Leona Mitchell is Micaëla, the simple girl from Don José’s hometown who cannot save him. March 21, 1987 Matinee Broadcast.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Agnes Baltsa and Jose Carreras in 'Carmen'
Type: Clip • Published 2007-07-15
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Agnes Baltsa
Carmen
José Carreras
Don José
Samuel Ramey
Escamillo
Leona Mitchell
Micaëla
Myra Merritt
Frasquita
Diane Kesling
Mercédès
Anthony Laciura
Remendado
Ara Berberian
Zuniga
Vernon Hartman
Morales
Bruce Hubbard
Dancaire
James Levine
Conductor
MET Orchestra
Christopher Schaldenbrand
Moralès
Angela Gheorghiu
Micaela
Plácido Domingo
Don José
Jeffrey Wells
Zuniga
Waltraud Meier
Carmen
Mary Dunleavy
Frasquita
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 12, 1988
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Brian Large
- Screenplay & Story
- Ludovic Halévy, Henri Meilhac, Prosper Mérimée
- Original Score
- Georges Bizet
- Original Title
- Carmen
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 2h 52m
- Production Studios
- Deutsche Grammophon, The Metropolitan Opera
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Brian Large
Ludovic Halévy, Henri Meilhac, Prosper Mérimée
Georges Bizet
Department Leadership Roster
Ludovic Halévy
Writer
Henri Meilhac
Writer
Brian Large
Director
Georges Bizet
Original Music Composer
John Bury
Production Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Carmen.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Carmen.
500 best 88's movies
Emmy Awards: Winners
Opera (owned)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carmen
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Carmen about?
This all-star cast is framed by Peter Hall’s gritty, realistic production and conducted by James Levine, who brings out all the surging emotion and gripping drama in Bizet’s score. At the center of the story is Agnes Baltsa, whose smoky mezzo is tailor-made for the gypsy Carmen, an independent woman who glories in obeying only her own rules, but who is haunted by fate. Superstar tenor José Carreras is Don José, the solider from a small town who catches Carmen’s eye and is destroyed by his growing obsession with her. Samuel Ramey is the charismatic matador Escamillo, who lures Carmen away from Don José with tragic result. Leona Mitchell is Micaëla, the simple girl from Don José’s hometown who cannot save him. March 21, 1987 Matinee Broadcast.
Who directed Carmen?
Carmen was directed by Brian Large.
Who stars in Carmen?
The principal cast of Carmen includes Agnes Baltsa, José Carreras, Samuel Ramey, Leona Mitchell, Myra Merritt.
When was Carmen released and how long is it?
Carmen was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 2h 52m.
Who composed the musical score for Carmen?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Carmen was composed by Georges Bizet.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Carmen?
Carmen holds official age classifications: US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).