Word: carmen
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Perhaps the most violent Carmen in operatic history was offered last week at Manhattan's Waldorf-Astoria-with a real soldiers' chorus. The idea germinated in the head of 23-year-old Corporal John Harrold of nearby Fort Hancock, former student at Philadelphia's Academy of Vocal Arts. Corporal Harrold himself sang Don José. All other male roles were also sung by sweating Fort Hancockers. The Fort Hancock band blasted out a Carmen medley in lieu of the usual overture. Private Lanni Russell hurled himself into an interpolated tap dance (music not by Bizet...
...little hideout of 2000 rooms in the western Rockies, hot on the trail of his lost sweetheart. The routine is well known by now--continental chase ending amidst nature's wonders. But this time nature complicates things by throwing in a bevy of assorted wolves as only Cesar Romero, Carmen Miranda, and something from the Los Angeles zoo can portray the species. Between the antics of these over-anxious characters, the screen is filled with dancer John in chase and partner Betty oh-so undecided about the whole thing...
...toss off Carmen (gleeful eyeful) Miranda too lightly. Garbed in a florist's nightmare, she struts about spouting Brazilian double-talk with the facility of a side-show barker. There is a certain electric element in her contortion with commentary, something that makes the whole experience at least refreshing...
When Harry James or colorful Carmen is given a chance, "Springtime" sparkles. But when Romero or Payne wax gruesome, the picture follows suit. In between, when the lovers are out to lunch or the equivalent, real entertainment fills the bill...
...Chicago Opera last week, Kiepura was scheduled to sing opposite another Carmen: sloe-eyed Contralto Coe Glade. In rehearsal, Kiepura carefully pulled his punches. Annoyed, Contralto Glade avowed that she was no sissy and could take anything Contralto Swarthout could, and maybe a little more. "Put that in writing," demanded Kiepura. Contralto Glade promptly wrote: "You may consider this your release of any criticism on my part for any physical damage I may receive tonight as the result of your usually vigorous and dynamic portrayal of Don José. The public does not want nor does it expect a polite...