Graphic illustration of Carmen in a red dress twisted around the stem of a red rose. In the background, there are people dancing and mingling on top of the horns of a bull.

Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7:30PM

Carmen Encounter

Overview

Part opera, part party.

Grab your phone, bring a friend, and encounter opera in a whole new way!

In 2022, Violetta Valéry, infamous Parisian courtesan and one of the greatest characters in opera, invited you to party the night away in the world of La Traviata. In 2023, the doors of Hotel Adina swung open to immerse you in the Italian Riviera setting of Donizetti's The Elixir of Love.

This year—for one night only—immerse yourself in the cantankerous characters of Carmen at Carmen Encounter. Part opera, part party—you will watch Act I of Bizet’s Carmen on stage, and then become a part of the epic story yourself as you explore the steamy streets of Seville in the opera house lobby spaces, transformed into Carmen’s world. You have never seen the War Memorial Opera House like this before!

Some lobby content includes adult material; recommended for 21+. Only the first act of Carmen is performed at Carmen Encounter.

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The Evening

Doors open to the themed lobby spaces at 6:30pm. The 45-minute Act I performance takes place at 7:30pm. Themed lobby spaces remain activated after the performance—be sure to explore each lobby level at your own pace. Last call is 11:00pm.

THU, NOV 21, 2024

7:30 PM

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Food and Beverage

Explore the different levels of the opera house lobby and discover different custom cocktails available for purchase on each level! Beer, wine, mixed drinks, and classic cocktails are available for purchase as well. Beverages purchased at the opera house in plastic cups with lids are allowed into the theatre during Act I.

NEW THIS YEAR! A scrumptious Spanish Patatas Bravas dish will be available for purchase, either with savory chorizo (Crispy Potatoes, Bilbao Chorizo, Spicy Piquillo Aioli), or as a delicious vegan “Soyrizo” version (Crispy Potatoes, Spicy Impossible Chorizo, Spicy Piquillo Aioli). Skip the line and pre-purchase your Patatas Bravas online, and receive an included glass of cava when you pick it up at the event. Check back here for the link to pre-purchase soon!

Patatas Bravas will also be available for purchase at the event, along with many other grab-and-go food items normally offered at opera performances. Enjoy food items in the delectable lobby spaces—food is not allowed in the theatre during the Act I performance.

Get the Diva Treatment with a Box Level Ticket

Box Level ticket holders receive a complimentary grab-and-go cheese plate and mini-bottle of sparkling wine, available for pick-up in a private VIP Lounge. The VIP Lounge, only open to Box Level ticket holders all night, also features a cash bar. As a Box Level ticket holder, you’ll also enjoy exclusive pre-performance access to the Box Lobby, where you’ll kick your evening off with joyful blessings from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence!

Discover Carmen Encounter

In 1845, a novella called Carmen by Prosper Mérimée introduced the world to an unforgettable cast of characters—and inspired Georges Bizet to write one of the most. iconic. operas. ever.

A beautiful, daring outlaw. A handsome, troubled soldier. The dazzling bullfighter and the hometown sweetheart who would come between them… Set in Seville, each character in Carmen adds to the epic music and searing drama, as power and passion are turned on their heads.

Each level of the opera house lobby explores one of these timeless characters, complete with immersive activities and live entertainers. Which character’s world will you be drawn to the most? Become a character in the opera yourself and prepare for an avalanche of likes, because each space features multiple opportunities for selfies you’ll definitely want to share.

Escamillo is the world-famous toreador who catches Carmen’s eye, and on this level bulls and bullfighters come together to enjoy the sultry sunlight of Seville. Be sure to get a selfie with one of the sensational street entertainers gathered to celebrate another momentous bullfight.

Rub shoulders and take selfies with members of the principal cast, chorus, orchestra, and crew who are known to hang out in this neighborhood of Seville!

Food and drink for purchase: custom “Escamillo” cocktail, beer/wine/soda, select grab-and-go food items.
Big-hearted Micaëla introduces some much-needed sweetness into our story when she arrives to Seville to deliver an important letter from home to Don Jose. On her mezzanine level, she invites you to remember where you come from with custom letters from home, to recall your better angels as you receive affirmation and acceptance from none other than San Francisco’s own Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and to express your own special wishes for brighter days ahead. While you’re there, indulge your sweet tooth with a selection of candies and sweets for purchase.

Food and drink for purchase: custom “Micaëla” cocktail, full bar, sweet shop, VIP Lounge.

The Box Lobby, located on this level, is open to all after the Act I performance, but is only open to Box Level ticket holders before the performance. The VIP Lounge, also located on this level, is only open to Box Level ticket holders all night.
Filled with passion, Carmen finds herself on the run, and you’re invited to come along for the ride! Take a step onto the outdoor balcony where campfires blaze and wild creatures come to life, or sit down with one of her camp’s well-known fortune tellers to learn your fate. And, you’ll want to let your hair down at her raucous dance floor, complete with the dangerously fabulous DJ Juanita MORE!

Food and drink for purchase: custom “Carmen” cocktail, full bar, select grab-and-go food items.
Don Jose has no chill, and this is where he and his fellow soldiers come to blow off steam. Try your luck playing a variety of casino games, and experience the thrill and bold empowerment Carmen demonstrates when she turns the tables on Don Jose’s authority. The Officer’s Club also happens to be next door to the corset shop frequented by Carmen and her friends, so be sure to stop by to peruse the latest tempting fashions.

Food and drink for purchase: custom “Don Jose” cocktail, full bar, grab-and-go food items.