Carmen began its world premiere run at the Karlín Musical Theater in Prague, Czech Republic on 2 and 3 October 2008, with previews beginning 24 September. The show is presented by Hudební Divadlo Karlín (which presented the Czech premiere of Jekyll & Hyde for four seasons) and Ta Fantastika, with direction by Gabriel Barre, sets and costumes by Andrea Bartha, and choreography by Pavel Strouhal.

Lucie Bílá stars in the title role. Bílá is one of the most popular singers and musical theater stars in the Czech Republic. She has performed in Les Misérables, Karel Svoboda's Dracula, Joan of Arc and more. She has recorded seven albums, starred in 9 feature films, and has won Grammy Awards, Music Academy Awards, Tý Tý Awards and Czech Nightingale Awards as a top Czech performer.

Joining Bílá on stage are: Dasha (Katarina, understudy Carmen), Markéta Poulícková (Katarina), Robert Jícha and Peter Strenácik (José), Václav Noid Bárta and Martin Posta (Garcia), Pavla Brínková and Barbora Rajnisová (Aunt Inéz), Lukás Kumpricht and Tomás Trapl (Zuniga), Jirí Korn and Josef Stágr (Mayor Mendoza), Athina Langoská and Hanka Krízková (Wisewoman), Zuza Durdinová and Veronika Veselá (Preeti), Katerina Nováková (Sakura), Katerina Sildová (Tigest), Jana Zenáhlíková (Isabela), Linda Stránská and Barbora Popelková (Dolores), Lucie Zd'árská (Rosa), Ivo Hrbác (Inmar), Václav Vostarek (Kelvin) and Jakub Slégr (Carlos). Photos of some of these cast members have been added to the Carmen Photo Gallery.

Performances take place on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7 PM (except the premiere performances on 2 and 3 October at 8 PM), with Saturday matinees at 3 PM. Performances will run through 29 November, and then resume in February 2009. Tickets are available by calling +420 221 868 777 or online.

A cast recording of Carmen was released on 7 November 2008, by EMI Czech Republic. Additional information is available on Lucie Bila's website (both sites in Czech). Further details will be added here as they become available.

Frank developed this adaptation of Carmen with Jack Murphy (lyrics) and Norman Allen (book). It is a contemporary tale inspired by the Prosper Mérimée novel which contains the essence of the famous characters but explores the story in a brand new way. Carmen is part of a circus, which give the show great visuals and daring stunts. According to Norman Allen, "the eternal truth of the character - a courageous and daring woman full of the zest for living - is the driving force behind this new musical." The show is not musically related to the opera of the same name.

A website has been established for this production at www.carmen-musical.com. The site, in Czech and English, includes more information about the show, a photo gallery and an update mailing list. Additional photos from the first press event and animal auditions have been posted in the Project Photo Gallery. A Photo Flash at BroadwayWorld.com features some of the costume sketches for the show.