5 reasons to say 'figaro'
The music, the costumes, the actors and the chance to help the homeless when there make the show a must-see
On Saturday, Manitoba Opera is launching its latest season with a Mozart classic, The Marriage of Figaro. Here are CBC Manitoba opera reviewer Lara Rae's top five reasons to attend:
1. It's the one with the music from Shawshank Redemption
Despite poor box office performance, the 1994 prison film based on the Stephen King story is one of the most beloved of all time. And one of the reasons is the tear-jerking scene in the prison yard, which features the famous Letter Duet from The Marriage of Figaro. The version in the film features Edith Mathis and Gundala Janowitz.
The version from the Met with two of the greatest sopranos of all time, Cecila Bartoli and Rene Fleming, remains my favourite.
2. Say yes to the dress!
Wedding dresses from various decades, culled from Manitoba Opera staff and women connected with the latest production will be on display at the Centennial Concert Hall, bringing a romantic touch to the lobby.
3. Chuchman!
The magnificent Adriana Chuchman, a Manitoba soprano of international renown, is singing the role of Susanna. Her voice is powerful, warm, colourful and romantic and she is a fine comic actor to boot.
4. Mozart wrote three masterpieces and this is one of them
Collaborating with Lorenza Da Ponte proved for Mozart to be a marriage made in heaven. Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte would arrive later, joining The Marriage of Figaro (1786) as representations of Mozartian majesty at his finest.
Although the cry Figaro Figaro is well known from pop culture and Bugs Bunny, this work should not be mistaken for Rossini's later bel canto work, The Barber of Seville, despite both operas being adaptations from plays by the French author Pierre Beaumarchais. The political tone of the original is turned down, the battle of the sexes turned up and despite the comic tone, both librettist and composer knew a good deal about human nature and the work remains relevant.
5. Enjoy the opera and help those in need at the same time
The following is an excerpt from the Manitoba Opera's website:
Susanna and Figaro are so glad you will be in attendance at their upcoming nuptials. In lieu of gifts, the bride and groom are asking patrons to bring a contribution for the Siloam Mission. There will be a drop off area in the lobby at all performances of The Marriage of Figaro.
Suggested Items (all items must be new):
- Underwear
- Hoodies
- Deodorant
- Socks
- Long underwear
- Winter jackets
- Towels
- Mitts
- Backpacks
- Laundry soap
- Scarves/Neck warmers
- Foot powder
- Razors
- Winter boots
Thank you for joining Manitoba Opera in helping those in our community affected by homelessness.
The Marriage of Figaro runs November 21st, 24th and 27th at Centennial Concert Hall.
Note the new start time: On Saturday, the show begins at 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, performance time is 7p.m and 7:30 p.m. on Friday.