Carmen Tickets
Carrie Cracknell’s critically acclaimed modern-day reimagining of Bizet’s fiery melodrama returns to the Met.
Carmen in New York City
Secure your seats for Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera House in the Upper West Side. A bold new staging by Carrie Cracknell powers this gripping revival, returning this winter following an acclaimed run in the 2023-2024 season. This “daring new production” (Washington Post) of Georges Bizet’s fiery masterpiece opera explores seductive obsession, power and freedom within a sharply updated social landscape. This is an unmissable revival of one of the Met's most performed operas - secure your tickets today.
What is the opera Carmen about?
Carmen is a gripping tale of passion and jealousy, as soldier Don José falls under the spell of the fiery and free-spirited Carmen after she’s arrested for a fight in Seville. Abandoning his post and sweetheart Micaëla, José follows Carmen into a dangerous world of smugglers and rebellion. But when Carmen’s affections shift to the charismatic toreador Escamillo, José’s obsession spirals into tragedy. Set to some of opera’s most iconic melodies, Carmen is a powerful exploration of desire, freedom, and fatal love.
Carmen was composed by Georges Bizet with a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy. Premiering at the Opéra‑Comique in 1875 amidst controversy for its raw themes and bold characterisation, Carmen quickly became a repertoire staple celebrated for its dramatic storytelling and musical brilliance. Carrie Cracknell’s staging, which debuted at the Met on New Year’s Eve 2023, relocates the drama to a modern context that shines a light on themes such as gendered violence, social inequality, and personal agency. With sharp visual storytelling and thematic urgency, the production reframes Carmen not as a sultry trope but as a complex, defiant woman at the centre of her own narrative. By foregrounding urgent social themes, Cracknell’s approach keeps Bizet’s opera vital and immediate, ensuring Carmen remains an opera that both challenges and inspires.
Carmen New York Cast
Main Cast:
- Carmen - Aigul Akhmetshina, Isabel Leonard
- Don José - Michael Fabiano, Matthew Polenzani
Who are the creative team of Carmen?
Carmen is conducted by Pier Giorgio Morandi (Rigoletto), Derrick Inouye (Benvenuto Cellini) and Fabien Gabel in his Met Opera debut.
Carmen is directed by Carrie Cracknell. Cracknell is a British theatre director, known for her 2022 movie adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Sea Wall/A Life at the Public Theatre and Hudson Theatre, New York, and for her work with the National Theatre in London.
Book Tickets for Carmen at the Met Opera Today!
Experience the magnetic intensity of Carmen, as Bizet’s stirring score is recharged with Carrie Cracknell’s modern vision and powerhouse performances from a phenomenal company. This is a Carmen that “takes flight” (Washington Post) and speaks to the heart of contemporary opera. Don't miss it - secure your tickets for Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera today!
Gallery
This production is sung in French, with Met titles available in English, German and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Carmen tickets?
Carmen tickets are priced from $49.50 to $180. Don't miss the opportunity to see this reimagining of Bizet's masterpiece, whether you are a regular opera-goer or looking to see your first opera.
Where is Carmen playing in New York?
Carmen is playing at the Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023.
What is the age recommendation for Carmen?
Carmen is best for age 10+.
How long is Carmen?
The running time for Carmen at Metropolitan Opera House is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Is there an intermission during Carmen?
Yes, there are two 15 minute intermissions during Carmen.
Can I buy tickets for Carmen at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Metropolitan Opera House box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Carmen are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
Some excellent singing in a horrendous production that the Met should be embarrassed to present. Our performance was interrupted by protesters, which was more interesting than anything happening on stage.