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Music by Gioacchino Rossini
Libretto in Italian by Cesare Sterbini
with English supertitles
Hollywood may love prequels and sequels, but the notion of going with the tried and true isn’t a 20th century celluloid invention. Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, first performed in 1816 Rome, is actually the “prequel” to Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, first performed in 1786 Vienna. Both are based on a series of three plays by the French playwright Beaumarchais.
Which explains the “return” of the characters you laughed with in The Marriage of Figaro: Count Almaviva, Bartolo, Basilio, and of course, Figaro, the local barber and jack of all trades. This time, Figaro helps Count Almaviva to woo the woman he loves, the beautiful, young Rosina. Rosina is the ward of crusty old Bartolo, who plans to marry her for her money.
You’ll undoubtedly recognize Figaro’s first song, “Largo al factotum della citta” – the song including the memorable “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!” lyrics.
A nonstop, slapstick opera buffa in two acts, The Barber of Seville is filled with so many winks to the audience you have to see it to appreciate it. Conducted by Francis Graffeo and directed by John Lehmeyer. close
