Kaufman's take on Bizet's opera received a developmental presentation at the Guggenheim Museum last summer. Afro-Cuban musician and composer Arturo O'Farrill adapted the score for the new version that was characterized in the following manner: "This contemporary adaptation has expanded the opera’s musical vocabulary and palate, using a combination of original melodies and new Afro-Cuban Jazz materials. The iconic arias and duets are morphed into several different Afro Latin forms. The production will make use of both Bizet's magnificent melodies and O'Farrill's expertise to transpose the action of the story from Seville 1810 to Cuba 1958." The production will have its world premiere at the Olney Feb. 1-March 6, 2016. The season also includes Jordan Harrison's Marjorie Prime (March 11-April 10); Frederick Knott's Dial 'M' For Murder (April 6-May 1); Stephen Sachs' Bakersfield Mist (May 13-June 12); and Chicago's Hypocerites running in repertory with their adaptation of The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado (July 14-Aug. 21).
Also of note will be what the Post describes as a "chamber-sized" take on the rock opera Evita. It runs June 23-July 24.
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