BARBER OF SEVILLE AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
By Lori Simmons Zelenko
Fun Two-Hour Production in English through January 2, 2016
High-spirited hijinks arrived for the Christmas season in the Met’s family-friendly, English-language, two-hour adaptation of The Barber of Seville. Outrageously funny, delightfully silly, hysterically entertaining this is a laugh your socks off production that’s joyously refreshing.
It’s a comedy to win over every member of the family; in fact those under 18 years old are invited at half price now through December 30 (with the purchase of one full-priced ticket.) From the minute the lights go down and the overture begins it’s hard not to hum along to this familiar score that brings a smile to opera lovers young and old.
The bubbly production by Bartlett Sher of Rossini’s tune-filled masterpiece stars the charming mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as Rosina, the girl who’s naughty but nice, a perfect angel with a willful heart and a crystalline voice. Love conquers all in this playful opera with much laughter to pave the way. The ensemble moves the action along never missing a beat, each one perfect in their role: a swaggering Figaro, a seemingly demure but surprisingly strong-willed Rosina as the love interest, her suitor, the wily and charming Count Almaviva in many humorous disguises and the buffoonish guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who bumbles and fumbles in his quest to win the lovely Rosina. All in all this Barber of Seville involves and entertains us with its oh so enjoyable comedy of errors and happily ever after ending. Tickets start at $25 and the show runs through January 2, 2016. The Holidays at Half Price promotion is available via 212-362-6000 or at the Met Opera Box Office only.
http://www.metopera.org/date-
