Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! Seattle Opera Announces BARBER OF SEVILLE

Before trick-or-treating begins, start the fun this October with Seattle Opera's "riotously funny" (The Australian) The Barber of Seville. Following The Wicked Adventures of County Ory ('16), stage director Lindy Hume and Maestro Giacomo Sagripanti return to create yet another colorful, eye-catching production with toe-tapping melodies-including one of the most iconic overtures of all time. The performance also includes an appearance by Juilliard-trained burlesque sensation, Marc Kenison, who performs in Seattle and beyond as Waxie Moon. Kenison will bring his comedic and dance stylings to the highly physical role of Ambrogio.

"Whether it's a Bugs Bunny cartoon or the opening scene of Mrs. Doubtfire, chances are, most everyone has enjoyed the irresistible charm of Barber at one point or another," saidGeneral Director Aidan Lang. "To experience this opera is to understand why its music is often a first choice for Hollywood, and why it's beloved all over the world."

Twenty-three-year-old Gioachino Rossini created this bold, youthful prequel to Mozart'sThe Marriage of Figaro in just a whirlwind 13 days. This is the story of Count Almaviva, who arrives in Seville to search for the mysterious woman-Rosina-whom he met in Madrid. When he learns that she is soon to be married to her tyrannical guardian Bartolo, he enlists the help of the cunning barber Figaro to win her hand. Almaviva and Rosina fall in love, and Rosina turns her mind to duping Bartolo. Told through a parade ofhysterical schemes, the opera concludes with an "all is forgiven" finale bubbling over with joy.

Making company debuts are Spanish soprano Sabina Puértolas and Russian sopranoSofia Fomina who alternate as the fair Rosina; plus Matthew Grills, who shares the part of Count Almaviva with fellow American tenor Andrew Owens (Leicester, Mary Stuart, '16). Returning to McCaw Hall are the two Figaros, John Moore (Papageno, The Magic Flute, '17) and Will Liverman (Raimbaud, Count Ory, '16); plus Kevin Glavin as Dr. Bartolo, Daniel Sumegi as Don Basilio, Margaret Gawrysiak as Berta, Ryan Bedeas Fiorello, and Kwangsuk Ku as the officer.

Known for his signature mustache, bald head, and gender-bending glamour when performing as Waxie Moon in Homo for the Holidays at Century Ballroom or Camptacularat The Triple Door, Marc Kenison makes his company debut in the non-singing role of Ambrogio.

The Barber of Seville opens Saturday, Oct. 14, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 28. Tickets are available online at seattleopera.org, by calling 206-389-7676, or in-person at the box office located at 1020 John Street (two blocks west of Fairview). Box office hours are Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Groups save at least 20 percent: 206.676.5588 or groups@seattleopera.org.

Family Day

Sunday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m.

McCaw Hall

Sunday, October 22 is Family Day at The Barber of Seville! For this specially designated performance, students age 18 and under pay only $15 for almost any seat. Details atseattleopera.org/familyday. Family Days also feature special student-oriented activities during intermission. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

The Barber of Seville

Music by Gioachino Rossini

Libretto by Cesare Sterbini

In Italian with English captions

Marion Oliver McCaw Hall

Performances: October 14, 15m, 18, 20, 21, 22m, 25, 28, 2017

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours and 50 minutes with one intermission

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Premiere: Feb. 20, 1816, at Teatro Argentina, Rome, Italy

Previous Seattle Opera Performances: 1966, 1974, 1983, 1992, 2000, 2011

Cast:

• Rosina Sabina Puértolas* (Oct. 14, 20, 22, & 25)
• Sofia Fomina* (Oct. 15, 18, 21, & 28)
• Almaviva Matthew Grills* (Oct. 14, 20, 22, & 25)
• Andrew Owens (Oct. 15, 18, 21, & 28)
• Figaro John Moore (Oct. 14, 20, 22, & 25)
• Will Liverman (Oct. 15, 18, 21, & 28)
• Dr. Bartolo Kevin Glavin (All dates)
• Don Basilio Daniel Sumegi (All dates)
• Berta Margaret Gawrysiak (All dates)
• Fiorello Ryan Bede (All dates)
• Officer Kwangsuk Ku (All dates)
• Ambrogio Marc Kenison* (All dates)
• Director Lindy Hume
• Conductor Giacomo Sagripanti

Assistant Director Daniel Pelzig

& Choreographer

Production Design TraCy Grant Lord*

Lighting Design Matthew Marshall*

* Company Debut

Production Sponsor: Kreielsheimer Endowment Fund

Family Day Sponsor: Classical KING FM 98.1

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