NEW ORLEANS OPERA: The opera tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the 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. Carmen was first performed in Paris on March 3, 1875, where its breaking of conventions shocked and scandalized its first audiences. Carmen has since become one of the most popular and frequently performed operas.

DATE: OCTOBER 4 AND OCTOBER 6