The Barber of Seville

OzOpera’s production of The Barber of Seville for Primary Schools is a winner on many levels. It offers full time employment to young developing professional singers and support crew, and it exposes young minds to the glory of opera before they become closed.

This cut-down version of Rossini’s most popular comic opera went for less than an hour and was long enough for the young audience. All the good tunes were there, though much shorter than the originals, there was a lot of dialogue and plenty of fun.

As MC, the effervescent Jon Bode played Figaro and engaged his young audience in singing an echo to some of the music. A tenor, rather than the usual baritone, he also ended up singing the bass Basilio’s Slander aria, but was most effective.

Stacey Alleaume, a perky Rosina, was enjoyable in this cheeky role and sang delightfully. As Count Almaviva, Nick Jones was very effective in the many disguises required. He sings well, and being a tall good-looking tenor will not hurt his prospects for future employment.

As with most Rossini operas, the majority of roles are for males, so I wasn’t surprised that Don Bartolo became Aunty Donna Bartolo. I am familiar with soprano Barbara Zavros, and so was disappointed the original keys were retained, so she didn’t get a chance to show what her voice could do. But she was very funny.

The single set was very effective, being turned inside-out to reveal the inside of Bartolo’s house. The direction was good and the performers all showed impeccable timing. From the many questions asked by the students it was obviously a terrific hit and one they will remember.

We done OzOpera!

Graham Ford

This production tours predominantly in schools, with occasional public performances.

One special performance on Thursday 29th August at 6:00pm at the Frankston Arts Centre Cube 37 will be partnered with Deaf Children Australia, incorporating Auslan interpreters, enabling OzOpera to perform to deaf children.

Tickets can be purchased from the Frankston Arts Centre website: artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au

Read more about shadow interpreting.  

Photographer: Albert Comper.