
The Marriage of Figaro 1976
Clever servants…
…plot the exposure of their lecherous master
Synopsis
Act I
As the opera begins, Susanna and Figaro are examining the room which they will occupy after their marriage. Figaro notes that its convenient location, adjoining the boudoir of the Countess, should make it possible for Susanna to be readily available to the Countess when needed. Susanna, on the other hand, notes that it is also an easy matter for the Count to get to her if Figaro is away. Figaro resolves to stop the Count’s pursuit. As he leaves, Dr. Bartolo enters, explaining to Marcellina how he will use his legal knowledge to trap Figaro into marrying the former duenna.
Cherubino, recently dismissed by the Count for having been discovered in an escapade with Barbarina, begs Susanna to plead his case before the Countess. When voices are heard outside the door, Susanna conceals the page and admits the Count whose advances are, in turn, interrupted by the entrance of Don Basilio. The Count also is forced to hide, but reveals himself when he hears of gossip concerning the Countess and Cherubino. Upon discovering that the page has been concealed in the room and has therefore overheard the entire conversation, the Count decides to rid himself of Cherubino by giving him a commission in his regiment.
Artists

Joseph McKee
Bass-baritone
Figaro (July 10, 14; August 12)

Donald Gramm
Bass-baritone
Figaro (July 16, 23; August 18 - 24)

Sheri Greenawald
Soprano
Susanna

Faith Esham
Soprano
Cherubino

Leona Mitchell
Soprano
Countess Almaviva (July 10 - August 21)

Helen Vanni
Mezzo-soprano
Countess Almaviva (August 24)

Lenus Carlson
Baritone
Count Almaviva

Jean Kraft
Mezzo-soprano
Marcellina (July 10 - 23; August 21 - 24)

Elaine Bonazzi
Mezzo-soprano
Marcellina (August 12 - 18)

Andrew Foldi
Bass-baritone
Bartolo

Douglas Perry
Tenor
Don Basilio

John-Paul Bogart
Bass-baritone
Antonio

Christopher Smith
Tenor
Don Curzio

Susan Peterson
Soprano
Barbarina

Robert Baustian
Conductor

Bliss Hebert
Director

María Benítez
Choreographer/Dancer

Allen Charles Klein
Scenic Designer
Costume Designer

Georg Schreiber
Lighting Designer

Terry Lusk
Chorus Master