Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro Delights at Portland Opera’s 47th Season Opener

A sea of black topcoats, parasols and rain hoods mingled with the glint of shiny brooches and the slick squeak of high heels on the sidewalk outside Keller Auditorium last Friday evening (November 4). Anticipating a memorable 47th season opener for the Portland Opera with Mozart’s classic The Marriage of Figaro, all except the very early bird arrivals of this sold-out show were treated to a barrage of heavy, icy rain. But inside the lobby, where young and old stood ying-yanged in blacks and whites, spirits were mere minutes away from warming up considerably.

As the lights lowered, conductor Ari Pelto, a veteran of Portland Opera’s 2010 production of Hansel and Gretel and 2007’s The Magic Flute, strode out to the podium. The Keller’s grand stage swathed in daylight hues, the first act began with Figaro (played by New York bass Daniel Mobbs), and Susanna (soprano Jennifer Aylmer) inching around the issue of Count Almaviva’s errant affections. Such was the preciseness of the arias, duets, trios and ensembles – not to mention the cues and the costumes – throughout Act 1 that the famously comedic underbelly of Figaro was allowed to rise to the top of the production.

From Mobbs’ brilliantly poised turn as Figaro; to baritone David Pittsinger’s bold portrayal of the frisky Count Almaviva; to soprano Jennifer Holloway’s Portland Opera debut as the Count’s flirtatious page Cherubino, it’s safe to say that though the sensationalism of the plotline of Figaro has long been discarded, the timelessness of the characters has not.

Though at times the surtitles projected above the stage appeared to be missing some big chunks of the Italian libretto, the thrust of the story remained intact, soliciting laughter, and allowing the focus to shine on the robust stage production.

In short, Bravo, Portland Opera! And if you missed the opening night or November 6 performance, don’t fret; The Marriage of Figaro returns to fulfill its run at Keller Thursday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. sharp!

Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St.; $20 and up, $10 for students/military; ticketmaster.com, in person at the Portland Opera box office at 211 SE Caruthers St., 503-241-1802 or portlandopera.org.

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