‘Marriage of Figaro’ opens in Livermore this weekend

The golden age of film in the 1940s is the setting of Livermore Valley Opera’s grand opera production in March when it presents Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” with unique stage direction by Brian Luedloff.

This opera is a timeless comedy with its bubbling overture and brilliant arias composed by Mozart at the height of his genius. It tells how the servants Figaro and Susanna outwit their master, Count Almaviva, to keep him from seducing Susanna. Through their manipulations, the count’s love for his countess is restored. Adding to the fun is an old man seeking revenge, a scheming maid, a drunken gardener and an amorous teenager.

Stage director Luedloff returns to Livermore to stage this, his third opera, and is co-producing his creative vision of Figaro with 1940s film stars portraying Mozart’s characters.

“Film stars of the golden age of Hollywood are the closest thing we have to royalty and aristocracy,” Luedloff said. “A film stage setting will allow us to reveal some of Figaro’s scenes in a traditional way with period costumes (those scenes being filmed) and in a more immediate way in the behind-the-scenes elements of the story (the actor playing the count imposing himself on the actress playing Susanna). And all without losing a bit of the delicious humanity and humor that Mozart … intended.”

Livermore Valley Opera’s two previous productions of “Figaro” have been traditional, but its new artistic director, Metropolitan Opera singer Erie Mills, was looking for a fresh approach.

“I thought it was time for us to see it done in a different, yet meaningful way,” she said. “This production will be interesting for those who know ‘Figaro’ as well as for those who have never seen the opera. … It has the potential to be the ‘La La Land’ of opera.”

The cast includes baritone Bernardo Bermudez as Count Almaviva, soprano Lacy Sauter as Countess Almaviva, soprano Christie Conover as Susanna and baritone Efrain Solis as Figaro. Music director is Alexander Katsman.

The opera company will be adding period decor and other surprises to complete the audience’s experience, including encouraging them to attend the performance in 1940s attire.

“We think it would be fun for guests to join the LVO volunteers and board members in dressing in 1940s theme attire,” Mills said. “From zoot suits and fedora hats for men, draped gowns or jitterbug swing dresses for women, classic Hollywood starlet looks to World War II uniforms, the scene will be set not only on stage but in the seats, too.”

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays, March 11 and March 18; and at 2 p.m., Sundays, March 12 and March 19, at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Tickets are $42 to $89 with $10 off for students. Call 373-6800 or visit www.livermoreperformingarts.org.

An opening night gala will be held across the street at Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard at 4:30 p.m. Separate tickets are required, for $90, available at the box office.

Included in all ticket prices are pre-opera talks held one hour prior to curtain time. An artists’ reception will be held in the lobby immediately following each performance.

Students are invited to attend the final dress rehearsal of the opera this Thursday at the Bankhead Theater at 7 p.m. Free for students, admission for accompanying adults is $10.

The Free Student Night is part of LVO’s education outreach efforts to introduce opera to young students in hopes that they may one day explore art, music and opera. Though the dress rehearsal includes sets, orchestra and some costuming, the rehearsal may stop at any time to make adjustments.

For more information, visit www.livermorevalleyopera.com.