by Gioachino Rossini Sung in Italian with projected English translations Dec. 1, 3(m), 6 & 9, 2006
A quick-thinking barber uses all his skills to
make it possible for Count Almaviva to court the beautiful Rosina, the unwilling
ward of the possessive Doctor Bartolo. Love assumes one disguise after another,
as the world's most popular comic opera
returns to The Dallas Opera stage! This production, designed by Tony Award—winner
Desmond Heeley, reunites the magical stars of TDO's Cinderella (2004) for another
glorious tale of scheming rivals, hopeful secrets and tender hearts. A joyful
and exhuberant holiday treat featuring the much anticipated American debut of
Giorgio Caoduro in the title role! Click here to learn more.
Where have I heard THAT before? Everywhere! You heard Figaro's
signature aria, "Largo al factotum" in Mrs. Doubtfire
(1993) and The Godfather (1972), and the famous Rossini overture in the closing
credits of Help! (1965), as well as in film fare ranging from A Fish Called
Wanda (1988) and Bad Santa (2003) to Space Jam (1996) and Robots (2005).
Recommended
Listening: Rossini: THE BARBER OF SEVILLE — Hermann Prey, Teresa
Berganza, Luigi Alva; Claudio Abbado on DG #457733 (Recorded in 1972).
Recommended
Viewing: The Warner Brothers cartoon classic, "The Rabbit of Seville."
Conversation
Starter: Rossini's masterpiece was a legendary opening night disaster!
The audience was filled with hecklers who made fun of the composer's ostentatious
clothing, the cat that wandered onstage, and the singer who tripped and gave
himself a nosebleed just before he had to start singing!