Boston, MA – Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) is excited to announce its Opera for Young Audiences program for Spring 2010 and to invite Boston-area children ages 6-12 and their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to enjoy The Barber of Seville. The lively production is a condensed version of Rossini’s exuberant classic. Tickets go on sale December 1 for the one-hour performances that are sung in English, fully staged with sets, costumes and lighting, and feature BLO’s orchestra.
Performance Schedule:
- February 21, 2010: Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre, Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street, Weston
- February 28, 2010: The Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester
- March 7, 2010: Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, Boston
- March 14, 2010: Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School, 350 Lynn Fells Parkway, Melrose
In Rossini’s buoyant comedy, the legendary barber Figaro uses every trick in the book to free the lovely Rosina from the clutches of crotchety Dr. Bartolo and unite her with the dashing Count Almaviva. All performances are at 1:30 and 3:30pm. Tickets are $14 for children and $20 for adults, and can be purchased starting December 1 by calling BLO’s Audience Services at 617.542.6772, or by visiting blo.org/barber_families, where visitors can also find venue details, activities, and a short video.
Get a sneak peak:
In January and February, BLO will offer free previews of The Barber of Seville at libraries around the Boston area, as well as one at WGBH’s studios in Brighton. These 45-minute presentations provide up-close-and-personal access to the artists who showcase «the Olympics of singing.» Children have fun learning about the story and finding out why opera is such a unique experience. In addition, online activities keep the fun alive before and after the actual performances. Preview details and activities can be found at blo.org/barber_families.
Audience response:
Last year’s previews and performances of The Magic Flute were seen by 27,000 children and adults. Feedback from parents included: «The performance (set, colors, costumes, acting, singing) exceeded all of my expectations,» and «Keep up the great work! Material on the website is good and really helps prepare kids and parents.» BLO’s Education & Community Programs Manager Julie House says, «It is an excellent opportunity for children and their families to share a great time together while learning and having fun. One of the best things about this program is that it is fun for all ages.» The Barber of Seville is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Wallace Foundation, The Calderwood Charitable Foundation and Target.
