PODCAST · arts

Barber of Seville (Figaro Trilogy #1)

by Pierre Beaumarchais

Count Almaviva's heart is stolen when he lays eyes on Rosine, but he worries that she will only love him for his money. Can Figaro help him? This comedy is the first play in Beaumarchais' Figaro trilogy. It was written in 1773, but because of political and legal problems, Beaumarchais could not stage the play until 1775. The Barber of Seville was adapted into at least five operas, the best-known being by Rossini. (Summary by Lynette Caulkins) The other plays in the trilogy are #2: The Follies of a Day; Or, the Marriage of Figaro and #3: Frailty and Hypocrisy. Cast list: Count Almaviva, Spanish Grandee, Incognito lover of Rosine: Jake Malizia Doctor Bartholo, Physician and Guardian of Rosine: James R. Hedrick Rosine, Young Lady of Noble Birth, Ward of Bartholo: WendyKatzHiller Figaro, The Barber of Seville: ToddHW Don Bazile, Organist and Rosine's Music Teacher: Alan Mapstone Youngman, an old Servant of Bartholo: realisticspeakers Wideawake, another Servant of Bartholo. A Dolt and a Slu