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The Marriage of Figaro 1976

July 10 - August 24, 1976

Clever servants…

…plot the exposure of their lecherous master

Music By
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto By
Lorenzo da Ponte, based on Le mariage de Figaro by Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
English Version By
Ruth and Thomas Martin

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 headshot

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

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 headshot

María Benítez

Choreographer/Dancer

Allen Charles Klein

Scenic Designer

Costume Designer

Georg Schreiber

Lighting Designer

Terry Lusk

Chorus Master