Here are five of the many reasons why you won't want to miss The Marriage of Figaro:
1. This amazing cast.
Richard Ollarsaba, who audiences loved in Carmen last season, returns to the Portland Opera stage as the Count. Leela Subramaniam, who made her company debut in Thumbprint, returns as Susanna. We are excited to welcome debuting artists Ester Tonea (fresh off of 3 years in San Francisco Opera's Adler Program), as the Countess, Jesús Vicente Murillo (who just made his Met Debut in Don Carlo in 2022) as Figaro, Deepa Johnny (who is just finishing the 2022-23 season in LA Opera’s prestigious Domingo-Colburn Stein’s Young Artist Program) as Cherubino, Matthew Burns (an opera veteran with over 25 years of experience around the country) as Doctor Bartolo, and Tesia Kwarteng (coming off an incredible Broadway debut in Camelot at Lincoln Center) as Marcellina.
2. Some consider it to be the greatest opera ever written.
Composer Johannes Brahms reportedly once said "Each number in Figaro is a miracle. It is totally beyond me how anyone could create anything so perfect." The final scene in the opera may be the most sublime moment in opera!
3. It's still relevant.
Although written over 230 years ago, this comedy is an enduring example of Mozart’s incredible music, with a clever narrative layered with themes like: when people in relationships mess something up, how to deal with jealousy, how to forgive and move on. Plus, it is a satire about those in power....yep, that still rings true.
The Marriage of Figaro continues to make its way into popular culture, with memorable scenes in movies like The Shawshank Redemption and episodes of TV shows like the Simpsons and Mad Men.
4. It's traditional opera.
The incredible Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Rich, beautiful costumes by our very own Christine A. Richardson. Grand sets by Cameron Poreous placing the action in 18th century Seville. There's a reason this opera has been in a constant in the repertory for over two centuries.
5. Because there's a happy ending.
Sorry (but not sorry), for giving it away. But in an art form with its fair share of tragic endings, it's nice to know we're walking into a comedy and walking out of the theater with a smile on our face.