So tonight I finally performed the role of 'Carmen,' which I've been preparing for for the last 3 months! I was extremely excited about this opportunity, not only because I was able to use my Opera training from College, but also because... since I have been a gypsy for the last four 5 years for Halloween, I felt the role was made for me... maybe... just a little ? Yes, no? Ok : ) The story of Carmen is about a seductive gypsy named Carmen who is controlled by no one, especially not a man, and runs free abiding by no Earthy rules except her own. She also has a tendency to take up lovers with her magic charm and dispose of them just as quickly. Don Jose, a military officer (in Spain) falls in her path and is insnared, and Carmen briefly falls in love with him too....Briefly. Before ruining his life and driving him to a point of an enraged love-insanity, the "Seguidillia" duet brings us to the starting point of their relationship, with Carmen already playing games with him. Here are the Lyrics... ( Bob Lischetti plays the role of 'Don Jose'! )

BTW...FUN FACT! Guess which Tampa Bay Singer/Songwriter was also in this performance?!!!
( The Answer is at the bottom of the page : )

Carmen

Right by the walls of Sevilla,
At my old friend Lillas Pastia’s,
I’ll go to dance the seguidilla
And drink some manzanilla,
I’ll go to my old friend Lillas Pastia’s.
But all alone it’s not much fun,
True pleasure is when you’re a pair;
So, to make sure I’ve got someone,
I’ll bring my lover with me there!
My lover man! To hell with him now!
I broke up with him yesterday!
And my poor heart’s ripe for a whim now,
My heart is free, it’s free to play!
I am pursued by scores of gallants;
But none that I like through and through.
Now here’s the weekend - what’s the balance?
Who will love me? I’ll love him too!
Who wants my soul? It’s ripe for mating!
You have arrived right with the tide!
I have no time to waste by waiting,
For with my new man by my side,
Right by the walls of Sevilla,
At my old friend Lillas Pastia’s,
I’ll go to dance the seguidilla
And drink some manzanilla,
This Sunday I’ll go to my old friend Pastia’s!

José

Shut up, I’d told you to do no talking to me!

Carmen

I’m not talking to you, I’m singing for my pleasure,
I’m singing for my pleasure!
And I’m thinking! And thinking is not against the law!
I’m thinking of a man of war,
I’m thinking of a man of war who treasures
Me and that I could, oh yes, I could
Have loving feelings for!
He’s not a captain, though he’s quite proficient,
Not even one rank below, just an NCO;
But for a Gypsy girl that’s quite sufficient,
And for me that can be just so!

José

Oh, Carmen, I feel on a bender,
If I yield and if I surrender,
To your promise you will be true,
Oh, Carmen, Carmen, if I love you you’ll love me too.

Answer: Dean Johanson from "The Human Condition" True Story!... Ask him about it : )