NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Opera Association kicks off its 81st season with an all-new production of one opera’s most-performed classics – THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO – on Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. NOOA’s production of Mozart’s revolutionary opera will be under the stage direction of Chas Rader-Shieber and conducted by award-winning and internationally acclaimed conductor Elizabeth Askren and features the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. For more information, visit www.neworleansopera.org.
“Often called “Mozart’s perfect opera,” The Marriage of Figaro showcases the complexity of human relationships with wit, charm, and musical brilliance,” said General and Artistic Director Clare Burovac. “We’ve assembled a fantastic cast of performers who will bring you an unforgettable night at the opera.”
Both performances will be preceded by an outdoor Pre-Opera Party at the Norman Treigle Plaza, located by the fountain directly in front of the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Drinks will be available for purchase and music will be provided by New Orleans’ own, Electric Yat Quartet. Guests are also invited to participate in a pre-concert Nuts-and-Bolts Lecture that provides insightful background information and context around the opera. Immediately following each performance will be a post-concert talkback where audience members can share in a collective dialogue about their experiences and perspectives. For more information, visit www.neworleansopera.org/the-marriage-of-figaro.
Created by composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, the production stars baritone THEO HOFFMAN* as Count Almaviva, soprano LAQUITA MITCHELL as Countess Almaviva, bass ANTHONY REED* as Figaro, soprano CADIE J. BRYAN* as Susanna, mezzo-soprano SUN-LY PIERCE* as Cherubino, bass-baritone ASHRAF SEWAILAM as Bartolo, mezzo-soprano LURETTA BYBEE as Marcellina, tenor TYRONE CHAMBERS II as Basilio, soprano JOEL DYSON as Barbarina, tenor ORLANDO MONTALVO* as Don Curizo, and bass-baritone IVAN GRIFFIN as Antonio.
The creative team for the New Orleans Opera production of THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO is as follows:
- Elizabeth Askren*, conductor
- Chas Rader-Shieber*, stage director
- Steven Kemp, scenic designer
- Myung Hee Cho, costume designer
- Connie Yun, lighting designer
For official headshots and bios, visit www.neworleansopera.org/the-marriage-of-figaro.
*Cast members making their New Orleans Opera debut
OPERA ORIENTATION
The New Orleans Opera’s Women’s Guild will host their Opera Orientation for THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO on Sunday, September 17, 2023, from 4 PM – 6 PM at the New Orleans Opera Guild Home. This event is an opportunity to meet and interact with the cast members and creative team on a personal level. Orientation participants take a deep dive into the intricate nuances of the opera while sharing personal experiences and connections to their respective roles. Capacity is limited to 100 guests and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling 504.529.3000 or by visiting www.neworleansopera.org.
STUDENT NIGHT OUT
New Orleans Opera provides free tickets to fully staged final dress rehearsals for students and chaperones from schools through sponsorship by the Louise Baehr Martin Memorial Fund. Student Night Out for THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO will take place at 7 PM on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. The recommended adult-to-student ratio is one adult for every ten students and students under the age of 14 must be accompanied at all times. To secure tickets, visit //www.neworleansopera.org/student-night-out or email Dr. Tara A. Melvin, Director of Community Partnerships and Education, at tmelvin@neworleansopera.org.
TICKETS
Tickets range from $32-$235 and are on sale now. Student tickets for $10 are available with photo ID. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the New Orleans Opera Box Office by calling 504.529.3000 or by visiting www.neworleansopera.org.
