Denyce Graves has made “Carmen” a signature role, and it’s easy to see why.
She oozes sensuality.
“Denyce doesn’t try to act sexy, she is sexy,” says Opera Colorado general director Peter Russell.
They met in 1989 when the mezzo-soprano was fresh out of the New England Conservatory and Russell gave her a job at Wolf Trap Opera Company.
“Carmen is an iconic role – you either are Carmen or you are not,” Russell says of Graves, who will play the temptress Carmen in five performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House beginning with a Thursday gala.
“You can change a wig and dye a gown, but if the role is sung by someone who’s trying to embody Carmen without actually being her, it doesn’t work.”
Even though she has played Carmen dozens of times around the world, each production is distinct and the costumes help set the mood, says Graves, 42. “I’m a different character in all of them. ”
Carmen’s costumes for the Denver production progress from drab gray with touches of red to a brilliant scarlet dress in the last act, says James Schuette, the costume designer.
“When I learned (Graves) was going to perform the role I rethought the costumes and decided to add red earlier. I’ve seen her perform this role at the Met, and I had an idea of what she brings to a performance. She calls for something special.”
In addition to her operatic costumes, Graves has an extensive wardrobe of recital and concert gowns, many by a New York designer. “Donna Langman has done about 30 gowns for me,” she says. Among her favorite commercial fashion designers is Vera Wang, whose style she finds “so clean and delicate.”
Even when dressed casually, Graves looks chic, Russell says. “I remember years ago, joking with her and telling her she’s the only one I know who could rip a Hefty bag out of the carton and make it look like couture,” he said.
At a buffet supper for Opera Colorado patrons and “Carmen” cast members Sunday evening, Graves embodied the elegant side of an invitation that asked guests to wear “casually elegant attire.”
In a black Escada pantsuit, Vera Wang beaded sandals and dangling earrings, Graves held her toddler on one hip and greeted well-wishers with her free hand. Accompanying her in addition to 16-month-old daughter Ella Thaïs (named for Ella Fitzgerald and the opera “Thaïs”) was her mother, Dorothy Graves-Kenner.
The opera star also loves dressing down. Her favorite brand of jeans is Seven for all Mankind.
And she’s not a snob about where she shops.
“I was in a Wal-Mart, probably buying Pampers, and I overheard a woman say to her friend, ‘I think that’s Denyce Graves,”‘ the opera star recounts. “Oh, no, she’d never be in here,”‘ the friend replied.
“I just laughed.”
Staff writer Suzanne S. Brown can be reached at 303-820-1697 or sbrown@denverpost.com.
“Carmen”
OPERA COLORADO|Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis streets; Denyce Graves as Carmen 8:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 and Nov. 11; and 2 p.m. Nov. 13; Beth Clayton as Carmen 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12; | $22-$157; |303-357-2787 or operacolorado.org
