Houston Grand Opera
Presents
Gioacchino Rossini’s
The Barber of Seville
May 18 & 19, 2012
Miller Outdoor Theatre – Free performances at 8:00 P.M.
Watch the sun set and the rising stars of Houston Grand Opera Studio come out and perform Rossini’s comic
masterpiece, The Barber of Seville, at Miller Outdoor Theatre on Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19, 2012. The
free performances begin at 8:00 P.M.
The effervescent overture (made famous by Bugs Bunny) provides a perfect platform for the amusing plot in which
our wily barber, Figaro, sung by Mark Diamond, comes to the aid of his former master, Count Almaviva, (Brendan
Tuohy). The handsome Count is deliriously in love with the ravishing young Rosina (Lauren Snouffer) and wants to
marry her. The chief obstacle he has to overcome is Rosina’s aged guardian, Dr.Bartolo (guest artist Steven
Condy), who is determined to marry her himself!
Conductor Craig Kier will lead the HGO Orchestra and Chorus. Richard Bado is HGO’s chorus master.
This new production, directed by Barcelona-based Joan Font and designed by Joan Guillén, was first staged as part
of HGO’s mainstage season in October 2011. Opera News said, “It was a triumphant performance. The production
deserves praise not only for maximizing the musical/comic possibilities but for imaginatively renewing a canonic
work.”
The score is full of lovely melodies and breathtaking ensembles. Each singer has his or her own “musical
clothing”——in particular, our mercurial barber sings one of the great show-stopping arias, “Largo al factotum.” And
nearly 200 years after its premiere, The Barber of Seville is still one of the most exhilarating and enjoyable operas
ever written.
Revel in the music, laugh at the shenanigans, and be transported by the beautiful singing. The Barber of Seville is
a treat, whether it’s your first taste of opera or your favorite indulgence.
Did you know?
 HGO has performed at Miller Outdoor Theatre on a regular basis since 1957.
 The Barber of Seville was completed in thirteen days.
 Music from The Barber of Seville has been featured in movies such as Babe: The Pig in the City, Deep Impact,
Jumanji, Space Jam, and Under the Tuscan Sun, and in an award-winning Nike commercial.
 The Barber of Seville is based on part one of the Figaro trilogy written by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais. All
three plays -—The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro and The Guilty Mother—satirize the hypocrisy and power of
the aristocracy.
Cast
 Mark Diamond, Figaro
 Lauren Snouffer, Rosina
Joan Font, Original Director
 Brendan Tuohy, Count Almaviva
Tanya Kane-Parry, Miller Theatre Director
 Steven Condy, Dr. Bartolo
Joan Guillén, Original Set and Costume Designer
 Nicholas Masters, Don Basilio
Xevi Dorca, Original Choreographer
 Catherine Martin, Berta
Albert Faura, Original Lighting Designer
 Craig Kier, Conductor
Philip Alfano, Miller Theatre Lighting Designer
 Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Richard Bado, Chorus Master
Performance Details: The Barber of Seville Free Performances
 Dates; Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19
 Time: 8:00 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.
 Venue: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive www.MillerOutdoorTheatre.com
 Miller Outdoor Theatre is easily accessed by public transportation.
 Go to www.RideMetro.org for more information.
 Information: http://www.houstongrandopera.org or call 713 228 6737
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Claire Vince, 713 546 0278 /832 738 2611 / [email protected]
High-resolution production photos can be found at http://www.houstongrandopera.org/pressreleases
Username and Password: hgopress
Guarantors
Anchorage Foundation of Texas
City of Houston through Miller Theatre Advisory Board
Grand Underwriter
Underwriter
Houston Grand Opera Guild
The NEXUS Initiative
These performances are part of HGO’s NEXUS Initiative, which is also generously supported by The Honorable Peter and
Anne S. Brown through Anchorage Foundation of Texas and BBVA Compass.
The NEXUS Initiative also receives lead support from: