For the first time in five years, the Toledo Opera will present The Barber of Seville (Il barbiere di Siviglia) by Gioachino Rossini, a comedic, two-act Italian opera by Cesare Sterbini. The libretto was based on Pierre Beauchmarchais’s 1775 French comedy, Le Barbier de Seville.
The Barber of Seville was a timely selection, according to James Norman, Director of Operations and Production at the Toledo Opera. “Opera can be so heavy” he said. “We thought that maybe in this election year, we might all need a little levity.”
Season humor
The Barber of Seville is the first of two comedies for the 2016-2017 season. Next up, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Rossini’s Barber is one of the most well-known masterpieces of comedy and is among the most popular in the genre.
The Toledo Opera’s production, (conducted by James Meena and directed by Bernard Uzan), will feature traditional 18th century sets and costumes. Mr. Norman is especially excited about the cast.
“The cast of Barber is fantastic.” he explained. “They’re internationally renowned singers, some of whom have done this a lot. Steven Condy, who’s playing Bartolo, opening night will be his 100th performance in that role, so he’s very seasoned. Then we have others, like Kathryn Lewek, who is starring as Rosina, it’s her first time doing it. But the cast has gelled so well together, so we know it’s going to be over-the-top hilarious!”
Love and trickery
The Barber of Seville is a story of love, disguise, and trickery. Count Almaviva (played by Victor Ryan Robertson), is hopelessly smitten with the beautiful Rosina. The Barber, Figaro (Hyung Yun), the town’s self-designated “factotum”, enters and breaks the bad news— Rosina is a ward of the powerful Dr. Bartolo.
Count Almaviva explains his plans to woo Rosina by pretending to be a poor student named “Lindoro”, so he can be sure he is loved for who he is, not for his money. Determined to help the Count win Rosina’s love, the Barber helps him plot to outwit Bartolo. Working with Count Almaviva, the two devise a plan to enter into the doctor’s house.
Consequently, all that wooing worked. Rosina is equally smitten and expresses her determination to marry “Lindoro”, unaware of his true identity. As in any opera, complications ensue, plans must be devised— and quickly— and the Count must be fooled, again, for true love to prosper.
Perfect beginnings
If you are unfamiliar with or apprehensive about seeing opera, The Barber of Seville is a great place to start your exploration.
“The Barber of Seville, on its own, is a great first Opera.” Mr. Norman declared. “If someone hasn’t seen an opera before, this is the one to try out because it’s light, it’s fun, and the music is fantastic. We’ve all grown up with it through cartoons (Bugs Bunny’s The Rabbit of Seville, for example) so it’s one of the best operas to start with.”
7:30pm on Friday, October 7 and 2pm on Sunday, October 8
$40-$70 | The Valentine Theatre | 410 Adams St.
419-255-SING | toledoopera.org
The student Night at the Opera Performance will be on Wednesday, October 5 at 7pm.
Before the Friday show, enjoy themed cocktails and nibbles
for an informal pre-party at The Attic on Adams (1701 Adams St.) at 6:30pm.
Please call the Toledo Opera and let them know
you’ll be attending to receive 10% off your tickets.
This production has been underwritten by
Lucille Gorski, ProMedica and Block Communications.
