Opera is a tricky thing. People either love it or are seriously frightened of it. I grew up in an arts-appreciative family and had a fair amount of experience with opera from a young age, so I was excited, to say the least, when I heard that The Marriage of Figaro was being performed at Victoria’s Royal Theatre.
The story of Figaro is beyond complicated, as it’s a wild ride of soap-opera-esque storyline filled with love, jealousy, and even long-lost parents and children reuniting. It’s excruciatingly funny and silly, however, the music set to it is some of the most achingly beautiful that Mozart ever wrote. The orchestra, with Timothy Vernon conducting, pulled it all together flawlessly.
I was immediately impressed with the cast of Figaro. Each character was cast perfectly, but I was particularly taken with Suzanne Rigden, who plays Susanna. Rigden brings life and expression to her character; she sings almost effortlessly with a voice that seized my heart. However, the entire cast threw themselves into this production with a tour de force I haven’t seen in a long time.
The set and costumes were surprising and unique, as instead of the original 18th-century brocade and powdered wigs, the whole cast was outfitted—thanks to costume designer Nancy Bryant—like a Mad Men episode, straight from the early 1960s. The set, designed by Ken MacDonald, was mystical, interchanging, and colourful, also resembling art from the ’60s period.
I can’t recommend The Marriage of Figaro enough. It’s as exciting to behold as it is beautiful to listen to, and the endless laughter is a wonderful bonus. Even if you’re normally put off by opera, I’d take a chance with this one. You won’t regret it a bit.
The Marriage of Figaro
7:30 pm Friday, April 5
2:30 pm Sunday, April 7
7:30 pm Tuesday, April 9
Various prices, Royal Theatre
pacificopera.ca/event/the-marriage-of-figaro