The Barber of the Cape at Cape Neddick Lobster Pound

Opera in the Pines presents The Barber of the Cape, an immersive, world-premiere adaptation of the beloved opera, The Barber of Seville. This production is a true celebration of Maine’s people, key industries—lobstering, seafood, and tourism—and the distinctive culture that makes the state so special.

Set at the Cape Neddick Lobster Pound, The Barber of the Cape transports the classic story into a contemporary Maine setting. The tale follows Rosie, a clumsy waitress preparing for the bustling tourist season. When Rosie catches the eye of a visitor from Manhattan, her protective, tourist-hating uncle Bart, the restaurant’s owner, intervenes, sparking a comedic whirlwind of mistaken identities, love, and the quirks of our friends “from away.” In a unique twist, the audience will become part of the story itself, enjoying the performance as guests of the restaurant.

This year, we are excited to feature a diverse cast of two talented Mainers and four rising young artists "from away," each with a strong personal connection to the state. This dynamic mix of local talent and passionate visitors promises to infuse the production with fresh energy and a sense of community on stage.

We are thrilled to bring this vision to life in a setting that’s as iconic as the story itself, the picturesque Cape Neddick Lobster Pound, a Maine institution serving the freshest seafood since 1959. Under new management since 2023, the Lobster Pound continues to honor its traditions while embracing modern updates to its space and menu, making it the perfect venue for this one-of-a-kind opera experience.

With slapstick-of-butter comedy, lively music, and a strong sense of local flavor, The Barber of the Capeis a charming, fun-filled opera that celebrates Maine’s spirit and the universal theme of love thy neighbor—yes, all of them.

The performance will be 80 minutes, performed without intermission, and sung in English with English supertitles.

To learn more about our production and our cast, visit operainthepines.org and follow us @operainthepines. Founded by three Maine-raised artists, Opera in the Pines is an alternative opera company committed to reinventing the opera experience. We strive to provide other Maine based artists with the opportunity to showcase their talents, utilize unconventional spaces, and create intimate performance experiences for both seasoned opera lovers and new audiences alike.