Opera Southwest's new production of The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart is full of irreverent comedy sung by well-matched voices. Director David Bartholomew and conductor Anthony Barrese keep the music and action driving forward without a moment’s lag, with fresh comic touches throughout.

Count Almaviva, led entirely by the artful jack-of-all-trades Figaro, outsmarts the guardian of his beloved Rosina and triumphs in the end. But that's another opera altogether! Now, Almaviva has himself become the powers that be and hence Figaro's figure of fun. Once a product of decidedly subversive political importance, the Figaro plays and operas remain staples of comic theater.

Baritone Ron Loyd, last season’s Marcello in La Boheme, returns to sing the title role full of zest and physicality. He commands the stage easily and with great animation, especially in the final act Tutto e disposto (All is ready).

As recipient of his affections, Susannah (Amy Mahoney) provides a perfect partner in the continual machinations. A round, bright soprano easily tossing off intricate passagework, Mahoney’s attractive presence matched with alert comic instinct seems forever at the center of the action.

Deborah Domanski as Cherubino, is outstanding in this “trouser role”. Playing a teenage boy full of overly-amorous spirit, she captures the character perfectly with a sweet, yet vibrantly captivating soprano. In the confessional Non so piu (I no longer know) she/he tells of exploding adolescent hormones, cast of course in 18th century language. She graces Voi che sapete (You who know what love is) with delightfully surprising ornaments in the repeat.

In famous second act finale where duet turns to trio, to quartet, then quintet, sextet finally septet, the comic tension increases with each new voice, typical of the well-coordinated ensemble work absolutely essential to this kind of entangled stage action. Two impassioned arias brought the third act to its emotional peak, Count Almaviva’s Hai gia vinta la causa (Their case is won!) sung by Mark Walters and E Susanna non vien (Susanna does not come) from Shana Blake Hill as Rosina, the Countess. Walters brings to the role a marvelous self-centered sense of entitlement to any woman who suits his fancy, while Hill provides the grace and dignity which set her apart from the others.

The cast throughout is impressive. Bass-Baritone Jeff Keele contributes an animated La vendetta, while Claire Seelinger opens Act Four with a wrenching L‘ho perduto (I have lost it).

Aided by English subtitles so that no joke is lost, this new OSW production is decked out on a sumptuous set in lavishly traditional 18th century upper-class costume. Here is a fresh, seemingly spontaneous rendering of Mozart’s eternally joyful music.

WHAT: Opera Southwest presents The Marriage of Figaro

WHEN: October 16, 19 7:30, Sunday 21, 2pm

WHERE: Kimo Theater, 5th and Central.

HOW MUCH: $20-$65  Student and senior discounts 505.243.0591

Your Name:

Your Email Address:

Rate this article:
Poor Great

Comment:

BOLD

"QUOTE"

UNDERLINE