Marriage of Figaro @ Opera Cleveland 9/26 For the first time watching this beloved opera by Mozart, I felt the connection between the comic characters Marcellina, sung robustly by Gloria Parker, and Don Bartolo, presented in perfect character by Thomas Hammons, (they are Figaro's parents as it turns out) to be the most poignant love story in the opera. Their contentment, even happiness, seemed to be more than just making the best of a bad thing thanks to the dramatic and musical graces of Madden and Hammons. A youthful Susanna (Maureen McKay) and handsome Figaro (Jason Hardy) brought the right touch of impishness to their roles and both seemed comfortable vocally.

Carolyn Kahl's Cherubino easily played the "rake-in-training." Count Almaviva (Corey McKern) and Countess Almaviva (Elaine Alvarez) covered all the vocal bases as the aristocratic couple with serious marital problems. McKern's Count lacked the menace needed to make us believe he was the ruthless ravisher of maidens, but he and McKay brought out a fine sense of bawdy humor when Susanna tempted her master in a scene that involved chairs and poor posture. It was a little disconcerting to have the sets shifting during arias, but having only one intermission was a great idea, so the speedy transitions were worthwhile. There's one more night (Oct. 4) left to see this beautifully staged and sung production in the (too large) State Theatre at Playhouse Square.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Laura Kennelly lkennellyATgmail.com
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