Most days do not begin with scheming, end with a double wedding and contain frantic scurrying and trouble throughout. But most days are also not an opera.
The opera Le Nozze di Figaro
or The Marriage of Figaro was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the 1700s, but it is still full of beauty and vitality today.
This production of the story is done with Italian singing parts and English dialogue sections that advance the plot.
We've chosen this year to do half and half Producer Ray Feener said.
The Italian portions are given English translation on a screen that hangs above the stage.
Think opera is boring? Think again. This production throws in treachery, double crosses, men dressed as women, hidden love affairs and many other surprises. Add in an especially energetic cast, and the whole story becomes a treat to watch.
The music is composed of grand classical pieces that can change from a booming march to a slow-tempo love song in the blink of an eye. The spoken dialogue is accompanied by the subtle tones of a harpsichord.
The musicianship is top notch. The musicians hit their notes without any audible errors, and they fill the auditorium with the right amount of music, never overpowering the vocalists.
As for the vocalists, they produce brilliant, clear notes that synch with the music and harmonize with each other. The volume of their voices is perfect, and it balances well with the music. Even when three or more performers are singing, their voices are separate and audible.
There is one weak point. When the performers speak, their words are sometimes difficult to understand because of the manner that they use. This one point does not seriously detract from the production.
The appearance of the performers is striking. Their costumes are colorful and interesting. The men wear short pants with high stockings and tunics with overcoats. The women wear huge, gorgeous dresses that flow while they move.
The set pieces are also marvelous -sparse yet understandable. They were designed by a set designer from Hollywood.
The plot can be confusing at times, but it is intentionally frantic and perplexing to mirror the realities of life. The main focus of the show is the impending marriage of the servant Figaro and the problematic circumstances that keep cropping up that might interfere.
I love this piece very much
said stage director Henry MacCarthy, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in the Ohio University School of Interdisciplinary Arts. His love for the show is evidenced by its quality.
The cast has been working on their parts since Thanksgiving, so the effort that they have put in was an excellent investment. Another excellent investment would be time spent attending this production.
The show will begin at 8 p.m. today and Saturday in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
The two shows will feature slightly different casts.
Tickets to the show are $6 for students and $12 for general admission.
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Matt Canady
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From the left: Professor Patricia Pease and student Alana Shaffner sing while taking part in a dress rehearsal for La Nozze di Figaro Wednesday night. The opera, written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the 18th century, will be performed in Templeton-Blac
