Come Play at Seattle Opera's FAMILY DAY

Start Halloween early by joining Seattle Opera for its Family Day presentation of The Barber of Seville. Everyone is invited to come in their costume for this Oct. 22 performance, where students age 18 and under get $15 tickets for almost any seat.* During intermission, see how many hair-raising styles you and your family can imagine. We'll get creative with arts and crafts as we draw, color, and cut out silly hairstyles!

During the performance, kids and kids-at-heart will delight in colorful, eye-catching costumes, a spectacular dance finale, and some of the most fun music in all of opera.

"Whether it's a Bugs Bunny cartoon or the opening scene of Mrs. Doubtfire, chances are, most everyone has enjoyed the irresistible charm of Barber at one point or another," said General Director Aidan Lang. "To experience this opera is to understand why its music is often a first choice for Hollywood, and why it's beloved all over the world."

Twenty-three-year-old Gioachino Rossini created this bold, youthful prequel to Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro in just a whirlwind 13 days. This is the story of Count Almaviva, who arrives in Seville to search for the mysterious woman-Rosina-whom he met in Madrid. When he learns that she is soon to be married to her tyrannical guardian Bartolo, he enlists the help of the cunning barber Figaro to win her hand. Almaviva and Rosina fall in love, and Rosina turns her mind to duping Bartolo. Told through a parade of hysterical schemes, the opera concludes with an "all is forgiven" finale bubbling over with joy.

The Barber of Seville opens Saturday, Oct. 14, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 28. Tickets are available online at seattleopera.org, by calling 206-389-7676, or in-person at the box office located at 1020 John Street (two blocks west of Fairview). Box office hours are Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Groups save at least 20 percent: 206.676.5588 or groups@seattleopera.org.

*Family Day information: Please note valid student ID or proof of age is required for entry at the student Family-Day rate. At least one full price adult ticket must be purchased with EVERY student ticket order. Limit four $15 student tickets for each full price adult ticket purchased. Student tickets are not available in the Dress Circle, Orchestra Center Aisle, and $25 Second Tier seating sections.

The Barber of Seville is suitable for ages 8 and up. Wondering if this opera is appropriate for your children? Learn more.

The Barber of Seville

Music by Gioachino Rossini

Libretto by Cesare Sterbini

In Italian with English captions

Marion Oliver McCaw Hall

Performances: October 14, 15m, 18, 20, 21, 22m, 25, 28, 2017

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours and 50 minutes with one intermission

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Premiere: Feb. 20, 1816, at Teatro Argentina, Rome, Italy

Previous Seattle Opera Performances: 1966, 1974, 1983, 1992, 2000, 2011

About Seattle Opera

Seattle Opera is a leading opera company, recognized both in the United States and around the world. The company is committed to advancing the cultural life in the Pacific Northwest with performances of the highest caliber, and through innovative education and community programs that take opera far beyond the McCaw Hall stage. Each year, more than 95,000 people attend Seattle Opera performances and the company's programs serve more than 400,000 people of all ages (including school performances, radio broadcasts and community engagement initiatives). Seattle Opera is especially known for its acclaimed works in the Richard Wagner canon, and has created an "international attraction" in its presentation of Wagner's epic Ring, according to The New York Times. Connect with Seattle Opera on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud and through the Seattle Opera channel on Classical King FM. 98.1.