Lyric Opera Of Kansas City Presents THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

Lyric Opera of Kansas City concludes its 2017- 2018 season with Rossini's comedic jewel, The Barber of Seville, April 28; May 2, 4, and 6 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The production will be sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Rossini's The Barber of Seville remains one of the great operatic comedies of the repertoire. While remaining true to every character, every gesture and every note of the original opera, this vibrant production of Barber draws inspiration from the magical realism of filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, transforming the opera's setting into a boldly colorful Carnival-like experience. Even after 200 years, this opera's buoyant humor and elegant melodies have delighted the diverse tastes of every generation. Several of the most recognizable tunes have entered the world's musical unconscious, most notably the introductory patter song of the swaggering Figaro, the titular barber of Seville. In The Barber of Seville, audiences are first introduced to the beautiful Rosina, later known as the Countess Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro. The Barber of Seville is a delightful opera, perfect for the whole family.

Making their Lyric Opera of Kansas City debuts are Jack Swanson as Almaviva, Jarrett Ott in the role of Figaro, Cassandra Zoe Velasco in the role of Rosina, and Matthew Burns as Doctor Bartolo. Director Michael Shell will make his Lyric Opera debut as well. Returning to the Lyric Opera are Brian Banion (The Marriage of Figaro, 2011) as Don Basilio, Robert Gibby Brand (The Pirates of Penzance, 2017) and conductor Leonardo Vordoni (The Italian Girl in Algiers, 2014).

Ticket availability varies by performance; best availability is at the Wednesday, May 2 performance. To purchase tickets, call Ticketing & Patron Services (816) 471-7344. Patrons can select their own seats and print their tickets at home by visiting www.kcopera.org. Limited student rush tickets are available 90 minutes before all performances for $15, with a valid student ID.

Lyric Opera's production of The Barber of Seville is underwritten in part by The Lyric Opera Circle. 2017-2018 Season Sponsors: Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts & Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation.

Related Events

First Friday, April 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Presented by Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Young Friends of the Lyric at the Beth Ingram Administration Building (1725 Holmes, KCMO).

Featuring selections from The Barber of Seville, refreshments (including "The Figaro" signature cocktail), and hilarious quizzes such as "Guess the Celebrity Hair Style." There will also be two live haircuts by volunteer barber Tahki Bannister of Silver Screen Salon and My Cuts Travel for hair donations to Children With Hair Loss. Free and open to everyone; no RSVP required.

Explore the Score

Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m.

Conductor Leonardo Vordoni shares a personal introduction to the music and characters of this Rossini masterpiece at the Michael & Ginger Frost Production Arts Building, 712 E 18th St., Kansas City, MO 64108. FREE Event, RSVP required at https://kcopera.org/performances/the-barber-of-seville-18/ or by phone at (816) 471-7344.

The Barber of Seville "At Ease with Opera" Presentations:

Monday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kauffman Foundation (4801 Rockhill Road, KCMO 64110). Free and open to everyone. Beaumarchais: Gunrunner for the American Revolution

In addition to writing the 1775 play which was the basis for The Barber of Seville (1816), playwright Pierre Caron de Beaumarchais (1732-1799) was a philanderer, intriguer, political revolutionary, and swordsman. His improbable life is brought to center stage by University of Kansas Professor John C. Tibbetts. Commentary and clips from Edouard Molinaro's 1996 film Beaumarchais the Scoundrel illustrate this amazing life as Beaumarchais connives, flatters, and protests his way through the theaters and courts of Louis XV and XVI.

Monday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kauffman Foundation (4801 Rockhill Road, KCMO 64110). Free and open to everyone. From Punk to Vintage: Aesthetics in Pedro Almodóvar's Films

The distinctive style of Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar (b. 1949) inspired the look and flavor of this production of The Barber of Seville. Almodóvar gained international renown in 1988 for his dark comedy Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and inspired a Broadway musical of the same name in 2010. His films are known for their complex narratives (as befits many operas), pop culture references, and vibrant colors. UMKC Associate Professor of Spanish Alberto Villamandos surveys the work of this important and influential Spanish filmmaker.

Monday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kauffman Foundation (4801 Rockhill Road, KCMO 64110). Free and open to everyone. The Barber of Seville".... or "The Useless Precaution".... or "The buffa of all buffas"

No matter what you call it, after a disastrous opening night, Rossini's opera Il barbiere di Siviglia soared into popularity and remains one of the most beloved operas of all time. How did this work move from boos and hisses to being one of the hottest tickets in town? It wasn't just Bugs Bunny's love of the tunes. Rebecca Johnson will answer these questions and more, in a detailed overview of this wickedly funny opera.

Young Friends of the Lyric

Young Friends of The Lyric provides an exciting outlet for young arts supporters (ages 21 and up) in Kansas City to get involved in the community, meet other young professionals and support Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Membership benefits include complimentary beverages at Lyric Opera performances, networking opportunities, restaurant discounts, invitations to special events and more.

Young Friends of the Lyric membership is $40, and includes benefits for two for a full 12 months. To join, visit www.kcopera.org/yfl or contact Ticketing & Patron Services at (816) 471-7344.

Visit www.kcopera.org for more information about Lyric Opera of Kansas City 2017-2018 season and www.kauffmancenter.org for a downloadable media kit about the Kauffman Center.