ALO - The Marriage of Figaro - April 29, 2005 


Another winner, if you ask me. 

ALO seems to be getting better and better with each new production. Last night's Marriage of Figaro was a real gas, with generally competent singing across the board, lively stage direction and classy sets. The Countess had a top notch voice, precise and soulful, and what the rest of the cast may have missed in vocal skills, they more than made up for with lively energy.
It's a long opera but the convoluted plot kept things moving at a brisk pace until it hits a brick wall in the 4th act. But sometimes, you just have to forget about the plot and let Mozart's brilliant music wash over you, e.g., the 2nd act finale. Everybody but Figaro got to sing on their back, but it was all for valid dramatic reasons.
Looking forward to next season, which will include "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk" - part of "Austin Celebrates 100 years of Shostakovich." Hot damn.  

Posted: Sat - April 30, 2005 at 12:02 PM           |

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