Real Housewives of Miami may be Julia Lemigova‘s biggest platform, but that’s not stopping her from taking on the main stage in a production of Carmen.
The Miami Herald announced “The 52-year-old is co-starring in the Florida Grand Opera’s “Carmen.” For those not familiar with Georges Bizet’s haunting tragedy, Carmen is the story of a free-spirited traveler turned freedom fighter.
There are no small parts, only small actors:
“In her so-called supernumerary role (aka, an extra), Julia plays Carmen’s nemesis Manuelita.”
While the TV personality doesn’t sing in the production, she does what Bravolebrities do best … There will be “screaming, taunting and brawling, familiar ground from her hit reality show.”
“Usually, the character is seen for about 10 seconds and, in some productions you don’t even see her, she is just mentioned,” Julia’s direction clarified, “In my version, you’ll see her in all four acts.”
Stunt casting?
Julia was cast “to shake things up.”
FGO spokeswoman Joanna Black addressed the criticism. “Purists would say, ‘What are you doing?’ But for us, it’s a win-win.”
“You need to make opera relatable to younger audiences who are connected through social media and pop culture.”
Appearing in Carmen is a dream come true for Julia Lemigova:
As a lifelong opera fan, Julia is thrilled for the opportunity. “There were a lot of bad things about growing up in the Soviet Union, of course, but the good thing was the incredible discipline and education.”
“I was exposed to theater, ballet and opera since I was able to walk and talk. My parents would save money, and once a month we would go.”
Lemigova recalls seeing “Carmen” as a young girl. “I remember it so vividly, and mentally being on the stage, too. I would travel in time, thinking I’ll be in Spain one day, living in another part of the world. It kind of took me out of my reality. That was my escape.”
“Opera was always on my mind, even though I was doing different things,” she explained. “I was listening to it everywhere, without realizing it.”
