Make Valentine’s Weekend HOT with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Honolulu, Hawaii – “Happily ever after can be a challenging, but funny, road.” Part chaos, a dash of beauty, and a healthy dose of comedy combine with beautiful melodies to create Mozart’s most beloved opera, a tale of two young servants trying to get married despite the mischievous machinations of the royal couple they serve.
Servants to the Count and Countess Almaviva, Figaro and Susanna are in love and betrothed, but, as with all of opera’s love stories, there’s a catch: the adulterous Count is also in lust with Susanna and keen to exercise his “droit du seigneur”. Determined to teach the Count a lesson, Susanna, Figaro, and the Countess conspire with other members of the household to bring the Count to his knees…literally…in Mozart’s delightful comic opera, an entertaining romp from overture to finale.
Starring Ryan Kuster (Figaro), a fast rising star and former San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow. Mr. Kuster has been critically acclaimed for a “full and rich voice” (The Dallas Observer), a “commanding stage presence” (Arts Knoxville), and “at the beginning of an important career” (Opera Warhorses). Susanna is portrayed by soprano Amina Edris, another recent Adler Fellow who was hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle for boasting “plenty of vocal power and presence, as well as a wealth of vocal coloration…”
Edward Parks (Count Almaviva), and Mané Galoyan (Countess Almaviva) join them, all in their HOT Debuts under the baton of David Angus and directed by Tara Faircloth.
HOT Executive Director Andrew Morgan, “The Marriage of Figaro has been called the ‘perfect opera’ for good reason, with a plot that is both hilarious and charming and featruring some of Mozart’s most beautiful music. And we have a simply amazing young cast that will bring this piece to life. I can’t think of a better Valentine’s Weekend treat than this delightful RomCom!“
Performances of HOT’s production of The Marriage of Figaro will be held at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on February 14, (7:30pm), 16 (4:00pm), and 18 (7:30pm). HOT’s 2019-20 Opera Season concludes on April 24 and 26 with a new semi-staged production of Strauss’ Salome.
Tickets range from $29 – $130 online at Tickets.HawaiiOpera.Org or call the HOT Box Office at (808) 596-7858. Group, Military, and Student Discounts available through the HOT Box Office.
Enhance the experience by attending the HOT Opera Preview and to learn more about the opera and meet other Arts enthusiasts.
HOT Opera Preview
February 5, 2020 / 1:00pm
Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Museum of Art
Attend a special Opera Preview at the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Doris Duke Theatre, featuring background on the opera by acclaimed musicologist Dr. Lynne Johnson, followed by a Q&A session with the cast from HOT’s production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Free to attend.
HOT Family Day at the Opera
Feb. 8, 2020 / 10:00am – Noon
Blaisdell Concert Hall
Go behind-the-scenes of HOT’s production of The Marriage of Figaro – take a selfie in costume, play with props, and more! Featuring live performances by members of HOT’s Orvis Opera Studio and Louise King Lanzilotti, host of Hawaii Public Radio’s Classical Pacific, making her live DJ debut playing a variety of classical music inspired by the day. Free and open to the public.
HOT Opera for Everyone
Feb. 12, 2020 / 7:00pm
Blaisdell Concert Hall
The final dress rehearsal reserved for students and families, Opera for Everyone is a favorite among teachers, students, parents and keiki. Contact HOT Education for more details and to order tickets at 808.596.7372 .
HOT Lanai Lectures
Feb. 14, 16, & 18, 2010, 60 minutes and 30 minutes before curtain
Ward Lanai, Blaisdell Concert Hall
A 15 minute discussion about the opera that will get you ready for the performance to follow. Free to attend.
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Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii by presenting opera performances of the highest standards. HOT’s educational programs for youth serve as both catalyst and active participant in the artistic education of Hawaii’s youth, serving over 20,000 students and their families and teachers each year. Opera for Everyone provides a special performance of each opera for a large and enthusiastic audience of students. Opera Express takes operas specially adapted operas, into elementary and middle schools with special tours to all neighbor islands. HOT’s Opera Residency program takes our education and production staff members into an elementary school to work with students and teachers to compose an opera production centered around curriculum components. Adult education is offered with Opera Highlights, a non-credit course at the University of Hawaii; Opera Previews, at the Honolulu Museum of Art; pre-performance Lanai Lectures on the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall lanai; and other presentations at venues throughout the state.
Media Contact: Jason Walter, j_walter@hawaiiopera.org