The Marriage of Figaro (classic comic opera)
Press
Democrat, March 4, 2005, by Dan Taylor
"Excellent 'Figaro'
shouldn't be missed."
Click for Articles and Reviews
Mozart and Da Ponte
Based on the play by Beaumarchais
Director: Elly Lichenstein
Music Director: Nina Shuman
Featuring John Bonnoitt,
Bonnie Brooks, Miguel Evangelista, Razvan
Georgescu, Morgan Harrington, Martin Lewis, Kathleen
Moss, James Pfeiffer,
Jason Sarten, Shawnette Sulker & Bharati Soman.
Opening
night gala sponsored by Bella Luma Café
Mar 25*, 26** and Apr 1, 2, 8,
9 10, sold-out,13, 15 and 16*** sold-out
Wed 7:30; Thur-Sat 8:00; Sun 2:00
$30 gen; $28 seniors and students
Parties of 6+ may request reserved seating.
*Mar. 25 Gala Buffet Sponsored
by Bella
Luma Café: add $10 for 7pm
buffet.
**Mar. 26 Chamber Chat. Join our Cast for wine & discussion
after the show. No extra charge.
*** Apr. 16: Add $10 for a 7pm tasting. Includes
premium dessert
wines and fine desserts - a benefit for our youth
program.
The wild and hilarious story of Figaro, personal valet to the powerful Count Almaviva. At the top of the show, we find Figaro joyously engaged to the beautiful and brilliant Susanna. Their romance is, alas, not without complications. As they prepare for their nuptials, we learn that the lascivious Count wishes to have Susanna for his own, much to the distress of not only the virtuous Susanna, but also his long-suffering wife and the hapless Figaro. After ingenious intrigue, identities hidden and discovered, lust and love, Mozart brings us to the satisfying conclusion of this exquisite romp.
The very idea of putting issues of the rights of the "haves" vs. the "have-nots" on a public stage was considered so incendiary in Mozart’s day that the work was originally banned for inciting revolutionary sentiments. Happily for modern audiences, Figaro survives and thrives, Mozart’s most popular tunes intact. The Marriage of Figaro has some of the most exquisite, transcendent, heart-breakingly beautiful music ever set down on paper by a human being.
Press Democrat,
March 4, 2005, by Dan Taylor
"Excellent 'Figaro'
shouldn't be missed. Cinnabar's take on classic
opera blends passionate arias, low comedy for nearly
flawless performance.... Bottom line: Fine
voices, consistently impressive comic acting, excellent
live musical accompaniment, lavish costumes and
an attractive set add up to a rare evening for
local opera fans.". Click
here to read the entire review...
Reviewed by David
Kashimba
"Directed by Elly
Lichenstein with musical direction by Nina
Shuman, The Marriage of Figaro will
have you kicking up your heals to a real classic." Click
to read entire review...
Argus
Courier, March 23, 2005, by Mary Southhall
"Figaro" was
written in 1781 by ... Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,
whose music was composed for smaller, more intimate
chamber concert venues. That's one reason why
Lichenstein says "'Figaro' fits wonderfully
in our space. The actors can concentrate on singing
beautifully, developing their characters, and
playing the broad comedy .... None of the intricacies
of the story is lost, which is what happens when
this opera is produced on a big stage."
Lichenstein says the opera's main theme -- the abuse of power -- was revolutionary for its time. Napoleon Bonaparte was quoted as saying "Figaro" was the basis of the French Revolution. The opera also has strong themes of feminism" More...
Press
Democrat, March 18, 2005, by Shelley Shepherd
Klaner
Opera gets more intimate: Playing in smaller Cinnabar
venue allows performers in 'The Marriage of Figaro'
to be more connected to audience
"Bringing the powerful
music of Mozart and Da Ponte to the stage in
a small setting presents additional challenges
to the actors and singers, as well as a different
experience to the audience where people can see
every expression on a performer's face and feel
the thunder of their intense voices....'The story
is truly told, the characters are developed,
the interaction immediate and fresh.'" More...
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