CENTERblog

"Barber of Seville Gives a Clean Shave..."
By S.M.Griffin - University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage Opera’s latest rendition of Gioacchino Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville’ is off to a fantastic start Saturday night as familiar tunes come to life at the Discovery theatre. In an evening of antics, the beloved barber, Figaro, the leading lady, Rosina , and her secret beau, the Count Almaviva, race about Doctor Bartolo’s house in a flurry of comical mishaps, ridiculous disguises, and cunning diversions, all in the name of true love. Director Bill Fabris deserves a round of applause for coordinating a delightful combination of talented actors, invigorating orchestra, whimsical sets, and convincing costumes.

Spotlight of the evening and well deserving the attention, James Taylor brings the part of greedy yet heartwarming Figaro into reality as he bounds energetically through each act. His presence on stage is the perfect balance of dramatic humor and characterized wit to bring the young lovers together, with laughter all the way. Leading lady Kate Egan is a delight, carrying the role of tender Rosina through an unending whirl of hair-trigger emotions with conviction as she escapes the machinations of Todd W. Robinson’s pompous Doctor Bartolo. While the heartsick Count Almaviva, played by Dillion J. McCartney, lacks the vibrancy of his co-stars, particularly in the first act where he’s bound strictly to the role of nobility, he picks up fervor with each ridiculous transformation to reach Rosina, allowing the energy of the show to power his performance. The supporting cast is nothing short of stellar, never once feeling forced or unnecessary and instead adding extra joy at every appearance.

However, the actors are only one important part of the evening’s music. The orchestra, conducted by William Hicks, gives a seamless performance carrying the show through the chaotic confusions and exhilarating chases, adding just enough sweetness to wish us all a good night.

One of the most unexpected surprises is the imaginative detailing of the set. Set Designer Amanda Walker is new to the world of Opera, but she’s made her debut with pride. Instead of creating an efficient yet simple period home, Walker took the extra creative step and added fantastical asymmetric cut-outs all along the body of the Bartolo home, carrying the design along the entire upper edging of the entire set. The ingenuity of Walker’s set is balanced perfectly by the accuracy of Howard Tsvi Kaplan’s costuming. Each piece brings the feeling of Seville, Spain, one step closer and perfectly personifies each character.

An emersing performance, ‘The Barber of Seville’ is three hours of charming and engaging fun that does not disappoint.

The Barber of Seville
Anchorage Opera
February 7, 2009 at 8:00 P.M.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Discovery Theatre