Illustration by Edel Rodriguez

I can’t believe it took me so long to go to the opera for the first time. And what a debut! Vancouver turned out dressed to the nines for the opening night of Vancouver Opera’s production of Marriage of Figaro at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. I went for the music and the opportunity to wear very high heels at the beginning of the week, but came home a true opera fan. Gosh, why did it take me so long?

Since I am a former TV producer and actress (I know… shame on me for taking so long to meet Mozart’s opera!), it’s always a challenge for me to truly appreciate any show. I am always looking for the behind the scenes gaffes, for the actor who forgets his line, for the lighting that missed the main character. Vancouver Opera’s Marriage of Figaro passed the test! Every single actor was fantastic and Jonathan Darlington’s orchestra nailed it from beginning to end.

Julie Boulianne’s Cherubino was the most delightful performance of Marriage of Figaro. I felt like a little girl when I noticed that it was a lady in a male role, but it took me less than 5 minutes of watching Boulianne to forget this detail. Chris Alexander’s stage direction is impeccable, his transitions are so smooth and involving that it really transported me into Marriage of Figaro’s world.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 4th) is Marriage of Figaro’s last night at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Yes… it’s sung in Italian, but you’re allowed to read the subtitles! If you need a second opinion before buying the tickets, Tris Hussey, Gus Fosarolli, Peter Andersen, Kelsey Dundon, and Vancouver Opera’s blog will provide  you with all good reasons to make this investment!