Released: November 8, 2011
Lincoln, Neb. - The University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music and UNL Opera presents Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," Friday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 13 at 3:00 p.m. in Kimball Recital Hall.
And you thought your wedding day was chaotic!
UNL Opera brings Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" back to the stage of Kimball Hall in a sparkling new production. At times hilarious, always beautiful, and often transcendent, this most perfect marriage of music and drama is sure to amuse, delight, and astonish from start to finish.
Figaro, the Count's valet, is to be married today to Susanna, maidservant to the Countess. But there's one little problem. The Count has designs on Susanna, and is prepared to use all the power of his position to prevent the wedding from taking place. The stage is set for a battle of wits between servant and master, and a whirlwind of mistaken identities, captivating intrigue, and hysterical plot twists ensue. There is never a dull moment in this, Mozart's most popular opera, overflowing with the composer's genius at every turn.
When Mozart contemplated an operatic adaptation of Beaumarchais' play "Le Mariage de Figaro," Austrian Emperor Joseph II had just banned the comedy from the Viennese stage on the grounds that the playful trickery of servants outsmarting their masters was offensive and subversive. Years later, Napoleon would remark that Beaumarchais' Figaro was the "first stone flung in the French Revolution." In the musical hands of Mozart, however, The "Marriage of Figaro" ultimately becomes a miraculous celebration of the ideal of marriage and the all-healing power of true love. The "Marriage of Figaro" is as funny, as moving, and as relevant today as when it premiered in 1786.
The all student cast will be staged by William Shomos and conducted by Tyler White. The new production is designed by Laurel Shoemaker.
Sung in Italian, with English supertitles.
Pre-performance talks in Westbrook Music Building 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Tickets: Adults $20, student/senior $10.
Available thru the Lied Center box office, (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231.