Opera Australia is set to deliver a rollicking dose of comedy and musical mastery with the return of its acclaimed production of The Barber of Seville. This joyous rendition of Rossini’s timeless opera opens the company’s much-anticipated season at the opulent Regent Theatre in Melbourne on 31 October.
Elijah Moshinsky’s production has been lauded as “brilliantly enjoyable” for its playful blend of slapstick humour and sparkling music, plunging audiences into a vibrant world inspired by the glamorous style of 1920s silent films.
Rossini’s spirited score meets Michael Yeargan’s ingenious life-sized dollhouse set, creating a production that is as visually enthralling as it is musically captivating.
Rossini’s Music Meets Cinematic Charm
The first few notes of The Barber of Seville are enough to transport opera enthusiasts and the culturally curious alike, thanks to Rossini’s lively score. From the effervescent overture to Figaro’s unforgettable aria, ‘Largo al factotum’ (immortalised in pop culture moments like Robin Williams’ scene in Mrs Doubtfire), this opera is teeming with energy and wit.
It’s astounding to think that Rossini penned this masterpiece in just thirteen days, yet it has endured for over 200 years as one of the most beloved comic operas in the repertoire. Its enduring charm lies in the sharp humour, dazzling music, and universally relatable themes of love, mischief, and triumph over absurd obstacles.
Set in the sun-drenched streets of Seville, the story follows the loveable, quick-witted barber Figaro as he devises a series of delightful ploys to outmanoeuvre the meddlesome characters attempting to thwart Count Almaviva and Rosina’s budding romance. The result is an evening filled with disguise, deception, and more than a few laughs.
Meet Melbourne’s All-Star Cast
Opera Australia’s Melbourne audiences are in for a treat, with a stellar lineup of Australian talent taking the stage. The demanding lead roles will be shared by two rotating cast ensembles, giving audiences the chance to encounter different interpretations of these iconic characters.
Baritones Samuel Dundas and Simon Meadows take turns as the mischievous Figaro, while Helen Sherman and Emily Edmonds share the fiery role of Rosina. Local tenor Shanul Sharma and esteemed performer John Longmuir will both shine as the charming Count Almaviva.
Accompanied by the Opera Australia Gents Chorus and conducted by Tahu Matheson, Opera Australia’s Orchestra Victoria will bring Rossini’s sprightly melodies to life, ensuring every note bursts with jubilance.
A New Format for a New Venue
This season marks an exciting departure from Opera Australia’s traditional repertory programming. At the Regent Theatre, the company will adopt the ‘stagione’ model, with The Barber of Seville running consecutively night after night before another opera joins the schedule. This format not only highlights the richness of this single production but also ensures the integrity of each performance.
Having two casts to alternate the demanding roles guarantees a fresh energy every evening, while giving audiences a unique opportunity to enjoy multiple interpretations of the same beloved opera.
Comedy with Cultural Significance
While The Barber of Seville is a lighthearted romp brimming with laughs, its timeless appeal goes deeper. It’s one of the few comic operas that held its own against the tragic works dominating the 19th-century stage. Its witty libretto, dazzling vocal acrobatics, and engaging characters also make it an accessible entry point for newcomers to opera.
The production’s 1920s silent film aesthetic ties together a thrilling mix of nostalgia and innovation, appealing to both avid opera enthusiasts and modern audiences looking for a touch of cinematic flair in their live theatre experiences.
A Night to Remember
With so much talent on stage, Rossini’s electrifying music ringing through the Regent Theatre, and a narrative that promises hilarity at every turn, Opera Australia’s The Barber of Seville promises to be a must-see highlight of Melbourne’s cultural calendar. Whether you’re a lifelong lover of opera or are curious about dipping your toes into a new world of live performance, this production offers a joyous, unforgettable evening.
Tickets are on sale now. Treat yourself to a night of comedy, romance, and iconic music as Opera Australia’s Melbourne season begins with a bang. Four words for every opera fan and newbie alike this October: Fi-ga-ro! Figaro! Figaro!