Vancouver Opera In Schools Presents THE BARBER OF BARKERVILLE Tour

Figaro, the world's most famous barber, has relocated to Barkerville, BC! This school year, Vancouver Opera In Schools brings the rollicking The Barber of Barkerville to children across the province. Sung in English by a youthful cast, accompanied by a talented pianist, and backed by an inventive set, full costumes, and colourful props, this 45-minute-long travelling production is perfect for young audiences.

The Barber of Barkerville is set in BC's historic Barkerville during the Gold Rush era. Figaro, a crafty and mischievous barber, uses trickery and disguise to help Al, a love-struck young man liberate the beautiful Rosie from the clutches of the dastardly innkeeper, Bart.

This new adaptation based on Rossini's comic masterpiece The Barber of Seville is sure to charm and entertain audience members of all ages.

The Tour

The Barber of Barkerville will be on tour to schools and community centres from September to November, 2013. If you are a teacher, administrator or parent and would like Vancouver Opera In Schools to perform in your school or community centre, visit www.vancouveropera.ca.

The Production

The music is pure Rossini, with a twist of frontier vernacular and complete with clever couplets, ribald rhymes and cheerful chuckles. Audiences will be delighted with Figaro's familiar "Largo al factotum della citta"(familiar to generations from Bugs Bunny cartoons!). The adaptation is by stage director Ann Hodges.

The Barber of Barkerville's talented young cast includes baritone Alan Macdonald (Figaro), tenor Lucas Van Lierop (Al Maviva), soprano Julia Rooney (Rosie) and baritone Jordan Collalto (Bart de Ville).

Kinza Tyrrell is the Music Director. The touring ensemble will be accompanied by pianist Angus Kellett and Stage Manager Melania Radelicki.

The sets and costumes are designed by Christine Reimer, acclaimed co-costume designer of Vancouver

Opera's First Nations-inspired The Magic Flute.