Update as of March 17, 2016:
Pittsburgh Opera announced today that Corrie Stallings will step in to perform the role of Rosina in all four performances of The Barber of Seville, including the Student Matinee. Emily Fons has withdrawn from the production for personal reasons.
Ms. Stallings recently won rave reviews for her portrayal of Jo March in Pittsburgh Opera’s sold-out performances of Mark Adamo’s Little Women. “Often one has to search far and wide to find a suitable replacement in situations like this”, said Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn. “We are extremely fortunate that the perfect person was right here in our midst. This is a wonderful opportunity for Corrie, and we are proud that, as a Resident Artist, she will put on full display the excellent talent we have here in Pittsburgh.”
Pittsburgh, PA…
February 29, 2016
Contact:
Chris Cox, Director of Marketing and Communications
Office: 412.281.0912 ext. 217
Mobile: 412.427.7088
or contact via email
Pittsburgh Opera continues its 77th season with the always popular comedy THE BARBER OF SEVILLE.
Almaviva is in love with the beautiful and virtuous Rosina, who is essentially held captive by Bartolo. Enlisting the aid of town barber Figaro, Almaviva attempts to thwart Bartolo’s plan to marry Rosina and marry her himself.
Rossini’s madcap comedy is guaranteed to send you out laughing and humming a tune. It features an amazing ensemble cast – including two former Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists with tremendous personalities, Kevin Glavin and Jonathan Beyer – and debuts by Michele Angelini and Emily Fons, both of whom have received superlative reviews around the world in their roles. Antony Walker conducts.
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE was originally set in Seville, Spain in the 18th century. Pittsburgh Opera is performing a more contemporary version that is set in Hollywood during the 1950s. For example, instead of Bartolo being a doctor with Rosina as his ward, in this production Bartolo is a movie producer and Rosina is his studio’s starlet. There will be many recognizable characters from Hollywood’s heyday sprinkled throughout this lively production, which will conjure some of the most treasured moments from Hollywood’s golden age.
On stage April 2, 5, 8 and 10, it brings laughs and fun to the Benedum Center. Tickets start at $12.
PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES/LOCATION/LENGTH
Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Pittsburgh
- Saturday, April 2, 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 5, 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 10, 2:00 p.m.
2 hours 45 minutes, including 1 intermission
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage
MEDIA EVENTS / PHOTOGRAPHS
Please email Chris Cox for reservations
- Photo Call (3/21, 12:30 PM) – Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters
- Full Dress Rehearsal (3/31, 7:00 – 10:00 PM) – Benedum Center
RELATED EVENTS
- Brown Bag concert (3/19)
- Opera Up Close (3/20)
- WQED Preview (3/26 & 4/1)
- Meet the Artists (4/5)
- Audio Description (4/5)
- Student Matinee (4/7)
TICKETS AND GROUP DISCOUNTS
Tickets to all performances of THE BARBER OF SEVILLE start at $12
To purchase tickets:
- Call 412-456-6666
- Visit the Theatre Square Box Office
- Buy tickets online
Group discounts are available. For discounted group tickets (6 or more), contact Randy Adams at 412-281-0912, x 213.
THREE FACTS ABOUT THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
- The 1816 premiere in Rome was a “disastrous failure.” The audience hissed and jeered so much so that Rossini feigned illness to avoid conducting the second performance. The second performance, however, turned out to be a roaring success and The Barber of Seville has become “one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music.”
- The famous Bugs Bunny cartoon ‘Rabbit of Seville’ was voted #12 on a list of the top 50 cartoons of all time. ‘Rabbit of Seville’ features Bugs Bunny tricking Elmer Fudd into appearing on stage for a performance of THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, where they engage in hijinks set to an arrangement of Rossini's actual overture.
- “Largo al factotum”, aka “Figaro! Figaro! Fig-a-ro!”, is among the most legendary and recognizable arias in opera history. It’s been covered by everyone from Robin Williams (in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’) to Woody Woodpecker. This pièce de résistance is “one of the most difficult baritone arias to perform”.
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
Full information on THE BARBER OF SEVILLE's cast and creative team can be found on its landing page.
THE STORY, IN BRIEF
Pittsburgh Opera's production of THE BARBER OF SEVILLE is set in Hollywood during the 1950s.
A synopsis of the plot can be found on THE BARBER OF SEVILLE's landing page.