Director Melanie Helton has elicited entertaining spirit and attitude from her performers, which makes it a little frustrating to be reading the high-above super titles (they are singing in Italian) since it takes our eyes away from the singers and the stage, with its simple, elegant set of versatile pillars elegant furniture, and beautiful lighting effects.
Even as a non-opera lover, I did enjoy it. Though this version is set in post World War II Europe, the plot is still one of those 18th century convoluted comedies of mismatched lovers, deception, trickery, revenge, disguises… There is an insightful director’s note from Ms. Helton, reflecting on the universality of the human frailties depicted.
A helpful detailed plot description is also in the program. I’d advise reading that in advance and then maybe skipping some of the subtitles with impunity and just enjoying the beautiful music.
The opera is about three hours long. Note that leads are double cast; this stellar group will also perform on Saturday. There is NO performance Thursday, then it continues 8pm Friday/Saturday and 3pm Sunday.
http://music.msu.edu/event-listing/the-marriage-of-figaro-le-nozze-di-figaro-by-wolfgang-amadeus-mozart