
Music by Georges Bizet | Libretto by Henri Meilhac & Ludovic Halévy
Experience Carmen under the stars at Mill City Museum! The Mill City Summer Opera is a show that I look forward to every year. It’s such a unique experience. There’s something about being out in the fresh air, in the historic ruins of Mill City watching an opera from the 1830s!
From Mill City Summer Opera:
Among the most famous and performed of all operas, Carmen is a riveting story of love, lust, betrayal, jealousy and murder. Set in 1830s Seville, the gypsy girl Carmen seduces soldier Don José away from his post and his beloved Micaëla. After luring him to join her and a clan of smugglers, Carmen turns her attention toward the swaggering bullfighter Escamillo. Carmen’s fate is met in the final act when she meets the madly jealous Don José outside of the arena.
I love the intensity of this opera. I was completely mesmerized by their voices and the acoustics at the ruins are perfect. Hearing their operatic voices swirl around you and float into the night sky is bewitching.
At first, I found myself reading the words but the passion of the actors quickly pulled me in and I didn’t need them. It’s beautiful when actions, facial expressions, mannerisms can tell you everything.
The show was called due to rain but that made for a memorable evening!


There are only 7 opportunities to see this show! July 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22 and 24. Last night was opening night and tickets sell out fast. There is a rush line beginning each night at 6pm and rush tickets are $35.
Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Time: Performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
Price: Tickets range from $50 to $125 for all nights
You can purchase tickets HERE.
Even with the rain, it was so fun to see the final dress rehearsal of Carmen with some of the other Twin Cities Theater Bloggers! You can check out our Facebook page and read other reviews HERE.