January 24th, 2013 
Austin Lyric Opera proudly presents the comic opera, The Marriage of Figaro, at The Long Center. In this single “day of madness,” Mozart takes us on a laugh-out-loud ride filled with schemes, masquerades and mistaken identities. Figaro, his bride-to-be Susanna, and the Countess conspire to expose and embarrass the cunning, skirt-chasing Count.
(Photo Credit: Palm Beach Opera)
The Marriage of Figaro is based on Beaumarchais’ play La folle journée, ou le mariage de Figaro, which was first performed in Paris in 1784. Mozart’s classic was first performed in 1786 but wasn’t received well by the aristocracy of those days. Making fun of a count, having a servant outwit him and openly taking a stand against the class system in society all played into the turmoil that eventually boiled up to the French Revolution. Figaro premiered to the Viennese nobility, who did not like to see their positions made fun of and did not embrace the concept of equality among men or social classes. Ideas like these were considered personal threats.
However, Mozart wrote with a musical voice that celebrated life, love and one’s spirit but often allowed him to laugh at what we do and who we are. Add to this musical essence the mastery of Beaumarchais and the result is a work that is charming, multi-dimensional and timeless.
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Richard Buckley, will lead the cast, chorus and orchestra in an Austin Lyric Opera owned production, and Stage Director, Chuck Hudson, makes his Austin debut. Join Jamie-Rose Guarrine (The Magic Flute, 2011) as Susana and Paolo Pecchioli (The Italian Girl in Algiers, 2011) as Figaro for this hilarious production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.
(Photo Credit: Palm Beach Opera)
If you’d like to learn more about the opera, Austin Lyric Opera offers free pre-opera lectures for all operas. One hour before every performance, Austin Lyric Opera’s Education and Production Coordinator, Elizabeth Cooper, gives a free 30-minute talk on the opera that follows. All pre-opera lectures take place on the main floor of Dell Hall at The Long Center. Seating is unreserved, and while there is no charge for admission, an opera ticket for that specific performance is required. Doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the lectures, which begin an hour before the performance begins.
WHEN: Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 3 p.m.
Austin Lyric Opera Guild is hosting a pre-opera dinner in the Kodosky Lounge at The Long Center on Saturday, February 2, 2013. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. After the night’s performance, Maestro Buckley and the cast will join guests in a toast. Limited seating by reservation only. Tickets are $125. Call Patron Services Manager, Dianne Van Hulle, at 512-610-7684.
WHERE:
The Long Center
701 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin, TX 78701
Ph. 512-472-5992
TICKETS: Tickets range from $21.50 to $143.50. Please click here to purchase tickets, or call the Austin Lyric Opera offices at 512-610-7684. Tickets may also be purchased through The Long Center in person or by calling 800-31-OPERA.
PARKING: Public parking is available in The Palmer Events Center Parking Garage located between Riverside Drive, South First Street and Barton Springs Road, just south of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. Cost is $7 per car, fee paid at booths upon entering garage.
Valet Parking is available for $18 per car. Please access the Keller Williams Circular Drive for Valet parking drop-off by driving eastbound on Riverside Drive and entering the first drive on your right past The Long Center.
