Opera season is here and the New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) is back with a stunning line up of amazing performances. Celebrating their 80th season NOOA opened with the timeless comedy, Rossini's The Barber of Seville!
While originally set in Seville, Spain, this local rendition was set in the French Quarter during antebellum New Orleans. Most known for the famous character "Figaro," the actual barber of Seville; this opera tells the comedic tale of a quest for true love as it finds its way through the obstacles of life while being guided by the money hungry cupid-like character Figaro.
The Story
Inspired by the plays of French playwright, Pierre Beaumarchais, Gioachino Rossini went on to compose The Barber of Seville in the 1770s and introduced it to audiences by 1775. Performed in Italian, this opera tells the story of Count Almaviva who uses an array of characters to get closer to his lover, Rosina. Being held in the home of the elderly Doctor Bartolo, Rosina is not only the doctor's caretaker but also his anticipated wife as he is interested in her hefty dowry. In no need for money, the Count befriends a local scheming barber, Figaro, who promises to help the Count free the beautiful Rosina from the Elderly doctor. Through much trial and era, the love struck couple eventually gets married, the doctor is allowed to keep Rosina's dowry, and Figaro is, as always, pleased with being pleased with himself.
The Production
Directed by Ned Canty, The Barber of Seville was a humorous New Orleans styled love story with elaborate-beautiful sets and stunning performances. The detailed sets perfectly replicated the exterior and interior of an antebellum French Quarter home. With an emphasis on accuracy, the show incorporated local lingo as well as typical weather patterns and activities.
Performed at the Mahalia Jackson theater for Performing Arts, the audience witnessed dynamic vocals and hysterical comedic performances from characters such as Count Almaviva (Matthew Swensen), Rosina (Raven McMillon), Doctor Bartolo (Ashraf Sewailam), Don Basilio (Adam Lou) and the hilarious Figaro (John Moore).
Next on the list:
Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, November 18 & 20, 2022
Schnyder's Charlie Parker's Yardbird, January 20, 21, & 22, 2023 At the New Orleans Jazz Market
Puccini's Madame Butterfly, March 24 & 26, 2023
