It has been said that Rossini is the P.G. Wodehouse of opera. His characters get themselves into the most complicated scrapes and of course, mischief and mayhem ensue, while they all try to sort themselves out. Nowhere is this more evident than in his most famous opera, The Barber of Seville.
Here, the notorious barber, Figaro - Rossini’s answer to Jeeves - leads the way through the many intrigues of the tangled plot. However, this high spirited, merry romp also provides the audience with a string of operatic hits, set amongst the dizzying action. It is justifiably one of the all time favourites of the operatic repertoire. Brilliant, boisterous, bawdy, and bold!
Count Almaviva, scion of a noble family, has fallen in love from a distance with the beautiful commoner, Rosina, while she was visiting in Madrid. Disguised as a poor student he has pursued her to Seville.
The opera opens as a group of musicians, under the guidance of the Count’s servant, Fiorello, gather below the balcony of the house where Rosina lives under the constant watch of her guardian, Don Bartolo. They have been hired to accompany a serenade, which the Count sings to her. When his song fails to rouse her he generously pays them off. The musicians shower Almaviva with profuse thanks and only with difficulty are they finally persuaded to leave. Hearing someone coming the Count retires.
Figaro arrives singing his own praises. The Count is delighted because he is sure that Figaro, his quickwitted former servant, will be able to help him in his suit. The Count explains that he has fallen in love with Rosina but is wooing her in disguise as Lindoro, so he can be sure she loves him for himself and not for his rank. He asks Figaro to help him get a chance to talk with Rosina. Figaro responds that it will be easy since he is Bartolo’s barber and has free access to the house - enough said, and early booking is advisable.
The Barber of Seville comes to the Dean Crowe on Thursday June 4 at 8pm. Tickets cost €20.
Paul Brady - Friday June 12
Paul Brady, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and one of Ireland’s most enduringly popular artists, is appearing at the Dean Crowe Theatre on June 12. Tickets are €30.
Book your tickets online at www.deancrowetheatre.com or phone the box office on (090 ) 6492129 between 10:30am-1:30pm or 2-4pm, Monday-Friday.
