Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man is a ballet based on the George Bizet opera, Carmen (the reference is coming into realization as I write this), featuring the music from the Bolshoi Ballet version.
The modern dance was first preformed in 2000 and has been revived and toured since then. This version I saw, thanks to The Shows Must Go On on YouTube is the latest revival that was released in DVD and Blu Ray and stars Alan Vincent, Kate Lyons, Dominic North, who I recognized from the all-male version of Swan Lake, also by Bourne, Zizi Strallen, and Chris Trenfield, who plays the lead character, Luca.
The Car Man tells a story about Luca, a grifter, who finds himself in the town of Harmony, seducing most of the townsfolk, especially Lana (Strallen), the young wife of the local diner owner, Dino (Vincent), and Angelo (North), who finds himself a victim of a frame up.
I don’t have a lot to say about this show except that it is probably one of the most beautiful ones I’ve seen. As much as I love dance, I must admit following the narrative can be challenging for me. But not this one. It is a very engaging show which caught me from the opening and would love to see again while it streams.
Watch in now on The Shows Must Go On’s YouTube page for 7 days starting April 16, 2021.
the real /darryl 