On Jan. 5 and 6, the First Coast Opera (FCO) will perform “The Marriage of Figaro” at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College in downtown Saint Augustine.
According to FCO, the opera, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is one of the most popular operas of all time, performed in many locations around the world each year. Set in 18th-century Spain, it pits the Count Almaviva against his barber and valet, Figaro, as they both vie for the amorous attention of the countess’s maid, Susanna. Deception and mistaken identities drive the story, as a variety of colorful characters add to the comedy. The play’s four acts are famously composed by Mozart’s timeless classics.
The fully-professional production will feature visiting guest artists along with local singers, accompanied by an orchestra provided by Jacksonville’s Music by Pegge and conducted by FCO Artistic Director Curtis Tucker, who hurges both opera newcomers and aficionados to attend.
“This is not just my favorite opera,” Tucker said. “This is the opera I would take to a deserted island to hear again and again. If you don’t know opera, this is a great place to start. If you know opera, you already know this. Either way, I hope you will join us.”
The cast features bass-baritone Ryan Kuster, as the well-known barber and valet Figaro. Christina Rivera plays his bride, Susanna. Brandon Hendrickson and Lisa Lockhart play the Count and Countess Almaviva. Emily Heumann plays the young page boy Cherubino. Completing the principal cast are Dina Barone, Anthony Offerle, Thomas Rowell, Daniel Altman, and Isabelle Scott. Nelson Sheeley, who directed past FCO productions of “La Vie Parisienne” and “Trial by Jury,” will stage the opera.
Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for students and are available by visiting firstcoastopera.com or by calling (904) 417-5555.
