Word: susanna
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Certainly the plot of "The Marriage of Figaro" requires a tongue-in-cheek approach; on paper, it is the kind of convoluted intrigue that gives opera a bad name. Figaro (Brian Saccente), valet to the Count Almaviva (Josh Benaim), is about to marry his sweetheart Susanna (Sarita Cannon), but the Count also has his eye on her. Although the Count has abolished the droit du seigneur, which traditionally allowed the lord to deflower any bride on her wedding night, he is tempted to revive it in Susanna's case. Though a philanderer, the Count is fanatically suspicious of his innocent...
...deal with: the old spinster Marcellina (Jennifer Little), who has loaned him money on the condition that he marry her if he can't pay it back. The Count seizes on Marcellina's claim as a way of delaying Figaro's marriage, giving the Count more time to woo Susanna...
Also in the mix are Bartolo (Dave Collins), Marcellina's lawyer, who has a personal grudge against Figaro, and Basilio (Jerry Shuman), the castle's unctuous music master, who acts as messenger between Susanna and the Count...
...without exception, this cast handles the famous arias beautifully Saccente has a strong voice and stage presence, and none of Figaro's comic nuances escape him; he is excellent in the patter of 'Aprite un po, Figaro's attack on female infidelity, and in the touching final duet with Susanna. Benaim, as the Count, has perhaps the most pleasing voice in the cast, combining power and a dark, rich tone. Brown has a pretty voice, well equipped for Cherubino's charming arias, and brilliant comic instincts--her arm-waving and swooning in the cross-dressing scene is hilarious...
...Countess and Susanna have some of the most difficult vocal writing in the opera, and deLima and Cannon are at least equal to the challenge. Cannon's tone is strikingly beautiful--soft and delicate without being precious...