BWW Review: CARMEN at Opera Theatre Of Saint Louis

Broadway World:

Her two competing lovers, Don José and Escamillo, are sung by Adam Smith and Christian Pursell. Never have I heard two such splendid male voices so perfectly set against each other in romantic competition. Both men (tenor Smith and bass-baritone Pursell) are tall and strikingly handsome. Pursell's voice, in the famous Toreador Song rings quite heroic, and Smith, especially in his plea to Carmen at the end of the tavern scene, sings with such wonderful feeling and power. The two combative duets--José vs. Escamillo and José vs. Carmen--are ` stunning. Both are powerfully mano a mano.

STEVE CALLAHAN

In Review: Carmen

Opera News:

Heidi Stober’s Micaela and Christian Pursell’s Escamillo contrasted effectively with the leads to flesh out the drama: Stober’s light, graceful soprano was ideal for the good girl from Don José’s village; and Pursell’s commanding bass-baritone captured heroic élan of the toreador. GREGORY BARNETT

A vivid cast triumphs over staging distractions in Houston Grand Opera’s “Carmen”

Texas Classical Review:

Bass-baritone Christian Pursell treated Escamillo’s music to rich, resonant tones that suited the macho persona of the star bullfighter, making it convincing that Carmen would leave José for him. Pursell brought suavity and swagger to the “Toreador Song,” and in Act 4, he sang Escamillo’s little love song to Carmen with an ardor that got the message across. STEVEN BROWN

A Steamy and Entertaining Carmen Takes the Stage With Houston Grand Opera

Houston Press:

Bass-baritone Pursell, another young artist on the rise, impressively sings Escamillo as if born in a bullring. His French diction is impeccable and he swirls his overcoat like a matador. But it's his cavernous baritone that wins Carmen's heart. It wins ours, too. D. L. GROOVER

Cincinnati Opera opens season like never before at Blue Ash Summit Park

Cincinnati Enquirer:

But most memorable are Janai Brugger as Micaëla, a kind and virtuous hometown woman who longs to marry Don José, and Christian Pursell as the toreador Escamillo. I don’t know if Pursell intended his character to be a mix of bravado and comic swagger, but from the moment he lumbers onto the stage with his white fedora and salmon-colored linen suit, you just know that this is the guy your mother told you to avoid at all costs. DAVID LYMAN

Superb cast soars in tuneful ‘Carmen’ as Cincinnati Opera goes outdoors due to pandemic

Cincinnati Business Courier:

Christian Pursell, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, shone as the bullfighter Escamillo. He made his entrance in a dapper salmon-colored suit, tossing flowers and wielding a spectacular bass-baritone in the Toreador Song. JANELLE GELFAND

Cincinnati Opera's 'Carmen' Fierce and Terrific at Summit Park

CityBeat Cincinnati:

Baritone Christian Pursell is another near scene-stealer. Bursting onto the stage in a salmon-colored suit and white fedora, he sings the bullfighter Escamillo’s aria with arrogant swagger and a clear, clarion tone. ANNE ARENSTEIN