Leave it to Mozart to write a piece of musical theater interesting enough to keep your attention for nearly four hours.
Of course, it takes more than just Mozart to make a production wonderful. "The Marriage of Figaro," collaboratively produced by UNM's Department of Theatre and Dance and the Department of Music, provided a full evening of praiseworthy entertainment last Saturday night. The show will continue this weekend.
The opera, which includes four acts, involves a tangled web of love affairs between several major characters. In the beginning of the opera, Figaro is furious because he finds out that the Count plans to take advantage of his "feudal rights" by sleeping with his soon-to-be-wife, Susanna.
Also plotting against Figaro is Dr. Bartolo, who has invented a scheme that will be sure to force Figaro into marrying his maid, Marcellina. In the meantime, a lovesick page named Cherubino is pining for the Countess, who in turn is disheartened by the fact that her husband cannot seem to remain faithful to her.
Things become even more complicated when the characters form alliances to try and prevent the threats against them from taking place.
The opera presented a collection of noteworthy performances by members of the cast and UNM's Opera Orchestra. Most deserving of recognition were the performances of the women characters, whose voices surpassed the heights of choral magnificence and excelled in singing splendor.
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Christina Duran, who played a delightful Cherubino, did a commendable job of portraying a young male, while Susanna, played by Cammy Woods, was even more admirable. Cody Wesner, who starred as the Countess, was a warranted choice as a lead - her aptitude as a vocalist was beyond captivating.
Figaro, played by Brady McElligott, and the Count, played by Kurtis Robinson, also offered star performances and are equally as talented. Still, the women stole the show.
And one must not forget those hidden faces that are the music makers. UNM's Opera Orchestra, conducted by Jorge PÇrez-G¢mez, presented a seemingly flawless performance.
A final note of acknowledgement goes to the designers of both costume and set, who did well in creating a world that was both believable and accurate in the Baroque time period.
The only complaint to be found within this performance is that the theater was a bit stuffy, and could have been even more pleasurable had the temperature been about 8 degrees lower.
Also, it was an extremely lengthy production, which might pose a problem for anyone with an attention-deficit disorder. To make up for the duration, three intermissions are offered so that there are plenty of opportunities to relieve one's self of bodily excrements, do some yogic stretches, call and make sure the sitter's still alive, etc.
But don't let the production's length get in your way. With tickets that are $12 and under, this show definitely gives you your money's worth.
"The Marriage of Figaro" will run this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 2-4. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday's matinee begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for faculty, staff and seniors and $8 for students and children. To purchase tickets call 925-5858 or visit www.tickets.com.
