What an electrifying "Carmen". Elina Garanca is officially a Star! She was mesmerizing. It was unfortunate that Roberto Alagna is prop disabled and much of the time looked as if he was not sure where or how to stand or move. Nevertheless, he gave a credible performance and Garanca managed to hold him up. The rest of the company was outstanding and the Kiwi's last-minute Escamillo was terrific. This is a wonderful show for opera newbies.