Mozart’s Comedic Opera ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ to Scandalize von der Mehden on March 24 and 26

UConn Opera Theater presents Mozart’s comic opera Le Nozze di Figaro on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 and Sunday, March 26 at 3:00 at the von der Mehden Recital Hall. Based on Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais’ controversial 1784 play and with a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, Mozart tells the story of a countess and her servants […]

UConn Opera Theater presents Mozart’s comic opera Le Nozze di Figaro on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 and Sunday, March 26 at 3:00 at the von der Mehden Recital Hall.

Based on Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais’ controversial 1784 play and with a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, Mozart tells the story of a countess and her servants scheming together to reveal her aristocrat husband’s philandering ways. Along the way, we meet an eclectic cast of characters who learn humbling lessons about life and love. Come witness the underlying deception, the battle between the sexes, and the egregious blurring of social boundaries through Mozart’s comedic masterpiece. The opera is sure to be filled with laughs and melodies that will leave you singing.

The opera is led by bass-baritone, Anthony Leathem, who plays the title role of Figaro. Leathem has been performing for audiences in and around the UConn community for nearly four years. Leathem’s depiction of Figaro is just the latest in his extensive performing career. Leathem was recently named one of the graduate winners of the UConn Concerto Competition and he was recently seen playing Captain Corcoran in H.M.S. Pinafore. In April, he will make his return to Hartford Opera Theater to sing the baritone roles in David Wolfson’s, The Faith Operas.

The rest of this large and talented cast draws from the undergraduate and graduate programs and alumni: Shelley Roberts, Jessica Bloch, Tiffany Jackson, Ryan Burns, Jon Dyson, Michael McAvoy, Sandra Marante, Caroline O’Dwyer, Kareem Mack, Spencer Reese and Judy Bowers. The creative and production team includes Michelle Hendrick, Dr. Brett Hodgdon and Dr. Constance Rock.

Sung in Italian with English supertitles, the two performances of Le Nozze di Figaro are Friday, March 24 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 26 at 3:00pm. Tickets can be purchased through the Jorgensen Box Office, online at jorgensen.uconn.edu or by phone at 860-486-4226.  Performance day tickets are available one hour prior to performance at von der Mehden Recital Hall, 875 Coventry Road, Strorrs, CT 06269.