The Washington National Opera’s latest production is a must-see event this month at the Kennedy Center.
The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart is lighting up the stage at The Kennedy Center for just five performances, running until November 22nd. This new Washington National Opera (WNO) production, clocking in at three hours and fifteen minutes (with a 25-minute intermission), is a fantastic night out in the city. It marks a significant moment as Robert Spano formally steps into his new role as WNO Music Director, joining the stellar leadership of General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello. This is a top-tier DC cultural event.
A Revolutionary Story that Still Resonates
This opera was revolutionary for its time, a “crazy day” as Director Peter Kazaras notes, and its themes are timeless. The story follows a couple determined to get married, staying tenacious and truly heroic as they focus on their goal. Susanna, our bride, is clearly the brains of the operation, navigating the reckless behavior of the adults around her. As Music Director Spano perfectly states, this production “embraces the spectrum of our experience… our foibles, pettiness, and even zaniness,” but also “our tenderness, our passion, and above all, our capacity to forgive.” It’s this deep humanity that makes the funny writing and quick wit land so well.
Standout Performances on an Expansive Stage
The cast delivers wonderfully. Rosa Feola, who film fans may recognize from Bradley Cooper’s 2023 movie Maestro (singing with Isabel Leonard in the finale of Mahler’s “Resurrection” symphony), gives a strong performance as the Countess. Joélle Harvey, a native of Bolivar, New York, is absolutely one to watch in her WNO debut as Susanna. Kevin Thompson also brings a memorable Antonio. Providing comic relief, John Holiday‘s portrayal of Cherubino is certainly unique; the countertenor voice added to the general, fun confusion. The entire story unfolds on a set by Benoit Dugardyn that is both classical and expansive, using perspective to bring the audience closer and make the entire production feel more intimate.
A Must-See DC Opera Event
Witty. Grand. And wonderfully human. A humorous journey of future-proofing love with tricks and tenacity. This is truly a very good production of what many consider a favorite among all operas. I enjoyed this very much! If you are looking for a spectacular live performance in Washington, this is it. You have until the 22nd to catch this joyful and heroic show at The Kennedy Center.
