Cinnabar to Close Season with THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, 5/30-6/15

After a string of sold-out hits, Cinnabar Theater in Sonoma County concludes its spectacular season of live performances with Mozart's masterpiece: The Marriage of Figaro opens at Petaluma's beloved professional theater on May 30 and plays through June 15.

Mozart's music soars at Cinnabar with this rich and playful production of his enormously popular opera. Performed entirely in English, The Marriage of Figaro tells a luscious tale of seduction and forgiveness. The Count keeps chasing skirt, and the Countess wants to catch him in the act... So she conspires with two wisecracking servants who delight audiences as they outwit their boss. It's comic opera at its best, mixing saucy jokes and gorgeous songs of love.

Following their extended run of Carmen, Artistic Director Elly Lichenstein and Music Director Mary Chun reunite for another glorious marriage of music and theater. "This music is sublime, and the comedy is still cutting," Lichenstein said. "Figaro is a hilarious story about the powerless wreaking their revenge on the powerful. It's a sassy tale of sexual politics told in some of the most beautiful music ever written. We've got an incredible young cast from throughout the United States and can't wait to share this with you. Come feel the joy that people have felt throughout the centuries by spending time in the sly and witty company of Susanna and Figaro."

Cinnabar's elegant production features 22 incredible singers and a live 10-piece orchestra. The ensemble showcases the talents of Kelly Britt (Susanna), Miguel Evangelista (Don Basilio and Don Curzio), William Neely (Bartolo), James Pfeiffer (Antonio), Cary Ann Rosko (Cherubino), Christiaan Smith-Kotlarek (Count Almaviva), Bharati Soman (Countess Rosina), Maayan Voss de Bettancourt (Barbarina), Eugene Walden (Figaro), and Krista Wigle (Marcellina).

The designs for this show highlight the work of Wayne Hovey (scenery), Lisa Eldredge (costumes), and Krista Smith (lights). The entire production is generously underwritten by the Klebe Family.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for ages 21 and under, with special $9 seats for middle- and high-school students on May 30. Get tickets online at any time by visiting cinnabartheater.org, or call the box office at 707-763-8920 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays. Tickets may also be available at the door, but reservations are recommended as Cinnabar's shows often sell out.

Every year, Cinnabar Theater produces a thrilling mix of plays, musicals, operas, and concerts in a remarkable range of genres. Cinnabar's Young Rep offers extensive activities for local youth, and the Cinnabar Singers welcome anyone who wants to be part of a chorus. All these events take place in the iconic red schoolhouse perched atop a grassy hill on the outskirts of Petaluma.

Audiences have flocked to performances in this intimate setting since 1972, when Marvin and Jan Klebe established an arts center for the community. Along with their sons, they transformed a charming 1908 schoolhouse into a jewel-box theater that has hosted successful shows for four decades. Now Cinnabar is presenting another year of lively performances for its loyal audience.

Cinnabar Theater is located at 3333 Petaluma Boulevard North, just off Highway 101 and only minutes from historic downtown Petaluma. There's ample parking up on the hill... and a friendly herd of goats grazing in the neighboring field. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 707-763-8920 or visit cinnabartheater.org.

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