Orit and Dan Yukelson of Los Olivos with dog Harry settle in Sunday for “Carmen, A Live Drive-In Opera” by Opera Santa Barbara at the Ventura County Fairgrounds as part of the Concert In Your Car series. 
The Singer family — Bryan, Eileen, Becca and Adam with dog Annie — came from Los Angeles for the show. 
Opera Santa Barbara event co-chairs Karen Knight and Joan Younger deliver goodie bags during the drive-in event. 
The elaborate tower and stage for the Concerts In Your Car production of “Carmen” at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. 
Top sponsor and board member Dr. Robert Weinman with Opera Santa Barbara board treasurer Daniel Hone. 
Opera Santa Barbara board chair Joan Rutkowski watches “Carmen” from the comfort of her vehicle. 
Attendee Owen Smith cleans his windshield to get a clearer view of the production. 
Harold Meers as Don Jose and Audrey Babcock as Carmen are separated by plastic barriers on the elevated stage in the open air. 
Soprano Jennifer Lindsay plays Micaëla in “Carmen.” 
Premium ticket holder Eve Bernstein secures a spot in the second row. 
Vehicles surround the high-tech stage for the performance. 
Mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock stars as Carmen. 
Soprano Jennifer Lindsay performs as Micaëla. 
Baritone Alexander Elliott stars as Escamillo.
Just hours before the state-mandated COVID-19 stay-at-home order took effect Sunday night, Opera Santa Barbara delivered a live performance of “Carmen” at the Ventura County Fairgrounds as part of the Concert In Your Car series.
Hundreds of opera fans watched the professional production from the comfort of their cars or while lounging in folding chairs next to their vehicles — many enjoying snacks, meals and beverages outdoors in the blustery wind.
More than 225 vehicles were socially distanced throughout the large parking lot with views of the performance projected onto jumbo screens on a towering multisided stage. High-quality audio was streamed into car radios. The opera was sung in French with English translations projected onto the screens.
“We are from Los Olivos and drove down to enjoy the opera outdoors with our dog, Harry,” Orit and Dan Yukelson told Noozhawk.
It was a family affair for the Singers, too, who came from Los Angeles to see the performance. Seated on canvas chairs while eating a late lunch were members of the Singer family — Bryan, Eileen, Becca and Adam with pooch Annie.
Event co-chairs Karen Knight and Joan Younger delivered goodie bags car to car to sponsors. Top sponsors included Production Sponsor Dr. Bob Weinman; Director Sponsor Carol Vernon and Robert Turbin; Conductor Sponsor Daniel and Romy Reicker; and Artist Sponsors Omega Financial Group, Arlington Financial Advisors, Fred and Nancy Golden, Eric and Dody Small, and Fred and Linda Wudl. New audience engagement support was provided by the Walter J. and Holly O. Thompson Foundation. Premium ticket holders included board members Joan Rutkowski (board chair), Mary Dorra, Christine Holland, Daniel Hone and Sandy Urquhart.
“Carmen, A Live Drive-In Opera” is a 90-minute version of Georges Bizet’s blockbuster hit, based on an adaptation by British director Peter Brook.
Set in southern Spain, the opera tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of fiery gypsy Carmen. José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen's love to the glamorous torero Escamillo, after which José kills her in a jealous rage.
Mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock starred as Carmen. Rounding out the quartet were Harold Meers as Don José, baritone Alexander Elliott as Escamillo and soprano Jennifer Lindsay as Micaëla. Directed by Sara Widzer and conducted by Kostis Protopapas, the live music was performed by members of the Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra.
“Art is not just a luxury when things are going well. Our communities need the healing power of the arts now more than ever. This is an afternoon that we will remember for years to come,” said Kostis Protopapas, Opera Santa Barbara's artistic and general director.
Opera Santa Barbara has continued to develop alternative programming during the pandemic. Unable to perform live in Santa Barbara County, the company has been keen to work with Concerts In Your Car in Ventura County following drive-in performances in California from other opera companies. The combination of an extra-high 360-degree stage and screens ensured a good viewing experience for everyone.
Founded in 1994 by Marilyn Gilbert and Nathan Rundlett, Opera Santa Barbara is committed to presenting opera productions and educational programs of the highest quality. The company has staged more than 70 operas and devoted thousands of hours to community outreach. The organization remains dedicated to the core passions that animated its founding: celebrating and championing the breadth and beauty of opera, and contributing to the cultural enrichment of the Santa Barbara community.
Click here for more information about supporting Opera Santa Barbara, or contact Development Director Nina Dunbar at 805.898.3890 or nina@operasb.org.
— Noozhawk contributing writer Rochelle Rose can be reached at rrose@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkSociety, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Become a fan of Noozhawk on Facebook.