The Barber of Seville

This opera is a comedy or an opera buffa. I've found this style to be my favorite. It is also considered one of the top 10 or 20 operas performed over the years around the world.  Many of the arias are found in mainstay music such as in commercials or cartoons, very familiar to many.

It is a fairly simple story line and to me, a story aligned with Sweeney Todd in a wierd sort of way.  Figaro is the Barber of Seville and he tries to help the Count Almaviva win the hand of Rosina.  She is a ward of Doctor Bartolo who wants to keep her for himself so that he can marry her and obtain her dowry.  But all prevails, no one dies and everyone is happy at the end.

In one scene, Figaro was dancing a little jig of joy, then he ends it in a Michael Jackson step with a crotch grabbing motion added to it.  Everyone just burst out laughing, it was so hilarious.  It is interesting that throughout most of the two acts, the costumes and scenery are in various shades of black and white.  In the final part of the 2nd act, color, vibrant color begins to take over the stage and it is simply beautiful as we witness the happy ending in vivid color.

This is a definite must see opera especially if it is the first opera to be experienced to turn them into opera buffs.  It is funny, arias provide a hit a minute, one after another and the set design provides a treat for the eyes.  Enjoyable entertainment for all.