THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
CENTRAL CITY OPERA:
JUNE 27 -AUGUST 2
(In repertory with THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE and MASTER CLASS)
Maureen McKay and Andrew Wilkowski (photo credit: Amanda Tipton)
CENTRAL CITY OPERA’S PRODUCTION OF MOZART’S “THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO” IS A DELICIOUS MUSICAL CONFECTION NOT TO BE MISSED!!!
With music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, “The Marriage of Figaro” (subtitled “A Day of Follies,”) is a comic opera based upon Beaumarchais’ novel, “The Mad Day or The Marriage of Figaro.”
The play on which this opera is based was considered unfit to be performed because of the “class conflict” between servants and their aristocratic masters. Nevertheless…Mozart persuaded the emperor to approve the performance of the opera based upon it by changing the rant about the aristocracy to one about the inconstancy of women. (Mozart clearly adored these representatives of the Divine Feminine. One can only wonder what the libretto would have become had he been able to express his true feelings about the cruel feudal treatment of the lower class by its patriarchal masters.)
Continuing the story of “The Barber of Seville,” two servants, Figaro and Susannah, somehow manage to get married despite the lascivious efforts of Susannah’s skirt-chasing employer, Count Almaviva. The count is trying to get to exercise his “droit de seigneur”- the right of a lord to bed a servant girl on the night of her marriage before her husband can. An elaborate farcical plot of the romantic variety ensues that’s chock-full of Mozart’s glorious arias.
Maureen McKay’s portrayal of Susanna sends us aloft with a soaring soprano that’s a glorious melodic ribbon of silk. In the role of Countess Almaviva, Erica Petrocelli is luminous! Her stunning vocals are by turns exhilarating and tender. The vocals of both women can best be described as auditory champagne.
Robust, full-bodied vocals of the divine masculine variety are delivered by Andrew Wilkowski as Figaro (Baritone) and by Luke Sutliff (Baritone) as Count Almaviva. Wilkowski is a lovable rake who gives everything a sly comic wink that mesmerizes. Sutliff’s demeanor is appropriately one of a stuffed shirt in search of a comeuppance.
In fine voice in the trouser role of Cherubino, Kira Dills–Desurra is superbly and intentionally bratty in the acting.
Under the baton of conductor Marcello Cormio, the scrumptious Central City Opera orchestra in the pit has never sounded better! Following Cormio’s lead it is always perfectly in sync with the actors’ singing onstage.
Stage Director David Radames Toro uses every opportunity to illuminate the sweet and funny twists, turns and surprises of this work. Radames’ gift for storytelling is in evidence even within the overture. The introduction of all the major characters is done brilliantly without a word spoken/ sung. Radames’ casting and quick- trot pacing are par excellence!!!
Glenn Avery Breed’s eye-popping costumes stun!
To your health and that of this phenomenal home of auditory excellence in the paradisal bliss of the Colorado mountains.
For tickets go online at centalcityopera.com or call the box office at 303-292-6700
