Opera Grand Rapids Presents Family-Friendly Comedic Opera THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

Opera Grand Rapids will present a classically-staged production of "The Marriage of Figaro," May 4 and 5, 2018 at DeVos Performance Hall.

"The Marriage of Figaro" is a family-friendly comedy that features Mozart at the height of his creative genius. The opera is considered by many to be the greatest of all time, owing to its sophisticated and recognizable music, and its funny and uplifting story.

Set in a day's time, the story is a comedic tale of underdogs' victory over the upper class. When the Count and his elitist cronies conspire to thwart the wedding of Figaro and Susannah, Figaro and his friends scheme up a plan of their own.

Featured on the stage will be highly acclaimed artists that have graced the stages of such prestigious opera houses as The Metropolitain Opera and the State Opera Berlin. Hailed by Anthony Tommasini of the New York Times as "vocally robust" and "lyrically malevolent", American Bass-Baritone Joseph Barron plays the title role of Figaro.

Stage Director Garnett Bruce, who hails from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and Opera Omaha, among a host of others, told Toledo's The Blade that he hopes the stage work will showcase the opera's theme of forgiveness.

"The set work becomes a metaphor for the unfolding dramatic action and eventual unveiling of the work's core theme: the ability of humans to choose to forgive," said Bruce.

When it comes to commenting on the quality of the opera's composition, Bruce isn't shy.

"There are so many subtle plots and intrigues going on that it forms a dramatic masterwork, all of it perfectly set to music. Our challenge is to bring it all clearly to life."

Leading the Grand Rapids Symphony orchestra will be Maestro James Meena, Opera Grand Rapids' Artistic Director. Meena made his Opera Grand Rapids debut in 2005 with "La Bohème" and his Grand Rapids Symphony debut in 2015. His conducting has been called "awe-inspiring" (Voix des Arts of Mo), "spot on" and "the best I've ever heard" (Opera Magazine).

Performances of "The Marriage of Figaro" begin at 7:30 p.m. The doors to DeVos Performance Hall open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to "The Marriage of Figaro" begin at $25 for adults and are $5 for students. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster or the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office, at (616) 451-2741 or 1320 East Fulton Street. For additional details, visit operagr.org/the-marriage-of-figaro.

Opera Grand Rapids

Located in the heart of West Michigan, Opera Grand Rapids is the state's longest-running professional opera Production Company. Through the creativity and excellence of this timeless art form, Opera Grand Rapids enriches the West Michigan community and provides unique and powerful experiences that move people of all ages and backgrounds. Opera Grand Rapids' productions are produced and presented locally in West Michigan. For the productions, Opera Grand Rapids engages a cast of internationally-acclaimed artists, stage directors, conductors, choreographers, set designers, costume designers, and others, in addition to the regional Grand Rapids Symphony, and Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and Children's Chorus.

PHOTO CREDIT: Grand Lubell Photography for Toledo Opera

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