The Barber of Seville

Pairing Olympic-level singing with comedic brilliance, this classic farce has all the ingredients for laughs: a hopeless romantic with no game, a whip-smart young woman outwitting a crusty patriarch, and a bold baritone who belts the world’s most famous intro song—"Figaro?" Anyone?

DIVE DEEPER

• Despite its light-hearted style and comic flair, The Barber of Seville affirms an important ideal: love emerges where truth prevails.
• Composers like Rossini tested the limits of the operatic voice: soaring melodies, never-ending phrases, and intricate vocal riffs showcase the singer’s abilities, express deeper emotions, and add to the comedic drama.
• The costumes in this opera also tell a story: they are colourful and zany, with each character given a colour palette, shapes, and materials that reflect their personality. The time period is loosely based in the early to mid 20th century, although with traditional silhouettes, and reflects a Spanish influence.
• The Barber of Seville was written when European nations were overthrowing monarchs and challenging inherited class structures. The widely celebrated character of Figaro (the resourceful barber of Seville) was a symbol for equal rights, democracy, and brains over birth.