Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is a whirlwind of love, desire, and witty schemes set in opulent 18th-century Spain. The story follows the complex web of relationships between the Count, his young wife Rosina, their clever and charming valet Figaro, and his betrothed Susanna. As the plot unfolds, a series of passionate encounters, hilarious misunderstandings, and daring disguises ensue, all driven by a desire for forbidden romance and social equality.

In this enchanting masterpiece, Mozart’s genius shines through every note, bringing to life the vivid characters and their emotional turmoil. The opera brims with delightful melodies, intricate vocal harmonies, and rapid-fire dialogue, capturing the essence of the characters’ emotions. From the flirtatious exchanges between the quick-witted Susanna and the amorous Count, to the heartfelt soliloquies of Figaro and the passionate outbursts of the lovestruck Cherubino, The Marriage of Figaro enchants the audience with its dynamic interplay of comedy, drama, and musical brilliance. With its timeless themes of love, power, and social class, Mozart’s masterwork continues to captivate audiences around the world, offering a thrilling and unforgettable experience for all who immerse themselves in its exuberant banquet of a world.

“We loved preparing a splendid Don Giovanni, and are just finished a dashing production of Così fan tutte; the appearance of Le nozze di Figaro at the conclusion of this season feels almost inevitable, for this is Mozart’s third collaboration with the redoubtable Lorenzo Da Ponte (whose long life story makes such a delightful read). We’ve met the Count and Countess before, though in an opera written a bit later by someone else; here, in Figaro, in their now settled noble household, whose peace is threatened by a philandering husband, Mozart gives us as charming a version of Upstairs/Downstairs as anyone could wish—a ‘perfect’ comedy, glittering with musical invention.”

– Timothy Vernon, Founding Artistic Director

Cast

Countess Amaviva
Sydney Baedke

Count Almaviva
Tyler Duncan

Susanna
Suzanne Rigden

Figaro
Donovan Singletary

Cherubino
Cecile Muhire

Dr. Bartolo
Peter McGillivray

Marcellina
Megan Latham

Don Basilio/Don Curzio
James McLennan

Antonio
Peter Monaghan

Barbarina
Katelyn Bird

Creative Team

Conductor
Timothy Vernon

WML Assistant Conductor
Kelly Lin

Stage Director
Morris Panych

Set Designer
Ken MacDonald

Costume Designer
Nancy Bryant

Lighting Designer
Eric Champoux

Stage Manager
Bonni Baynton

Assistant Stage Manager
Kelsey Cain

Assistant Stage Manager
Lisa Russell

Review

“Although the role Dr. Bartolo — a Malvolio-style fool — is much smaller, bass-baritone Peter McGillivray gave larger-than-life performance. Clownishly bespectacled, McGillivray, like Muhire, displayed a canny knack for physicality, at one point angrily giving Figaro’s hairbrush a savage scissoring before stabbing it.”

-Adrian Chamberlain, Victoria Times-Colonist