Follies of a Day; OR, The Marriage of Figaro (Figaro Trilogy #2) (English)

This is Thomas Holcroft's English translation, obtained by attending Pierre Beaumarchais' French play nine times in Paris during its original official staging in 1784. Beaumarchais' play was the basis for Mozart's 1796 opera, and is a satire about lovers' misdoings and French society. Because of its rebellious themes, presented during the troubling times leading up to the French Revolution, Beaumarchais had a very difficult time getting his play past the censors. Once staged, the play was enormously popular with audiences, including the aristocracy despite their understanding of the underlying themes. It was shocking that a commoner could contend directly with a nobleman. Louis XVI was not amused with Beaumarchais and imprisoned him for a few days. In our play, staged in London in 1785, Figaro is engaged to be married to Susan, who has caught the eye of Count Almaviva . . . (Holcroft Anglicized Suzanne's name so that English audiences would better accept her.) (Summary by Lynette Caulkins.) The other plays in the trilogy are #1: The Barber of Seville and #3: Frailty and Hypocrisy.Cast list: Stage Directions: Larry Wilson Figaro: Todd Susan: Jenn Broda Count Almaviva: Jake Malizia Countess: WendyKatzHiller Marcelina: Joanna Michal Hoyt Doctor Bartholo: Scott Caulkins The Page Hannibal: Cindy Gorman Basil: Alan Mapstone Agnes: Therese Lindholm Antonio: Ryan Williams Don Guzman: Greg Giordino Bounce: Adrian Stephens Servant: Adrian Stephens Crier of the Court: Lynette Caulkins Doublefee: Tchaikovsky Courier: Jim Hedrick