The Marriage of Figaro and Pagliacci Come to the Saenger this Spring
Pensacola Opera will open its 42nd Season with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro on January 24th and 26th, and close with Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci on March 14th and 16th.
“As Pensacola Opera celebrates its’ 42nd Season, we build upon our momentum from last season with an exciting lineup of operatic performances and events. Our season represents the ultimate opera experience with two vastly different, yet classic offerings—something for everyone. Prepare to immerse yourself in an experience unlike any other,” Pensacola Opera General Director Chandra McKern said.
Pensacola Opera will open its 42nd season with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s iconic comic opera The Marriage of Figaro on January 24 and 26 at the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola. This dazzling production, conducted by Music Director Cody Martin and directed by Artistic Director Corey McKern, brings Mozart’s unforgettable score to life with a stellar cast, lavish sets and costumes newly designed to transport audiences to the elegant world of 18th-century Spain.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest operas ever written, The Marriage of Figaro follows the witty and resourceful servant Figaro, played by Sidney Outlaw and his fiancée Susanna, portrayed by Jan Miller Studio Artist alum Nicole Heinen, as they outsmart their aristocratic masters, Count and Countess Almaviva. This opera is a delightful whirlwind of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements and social satire. With timeless melodies and unforgettable characters, it’s an evening of comic brilliance and profound humanity.
The production features a talented cast of new and returning singers, including Pensacola native Renée Richardson as the Countess, Joseph Lattanzi as the Count and Jan Miller Studio Artist alum Erin Alford as the young page Cherubino. The role of the scheming Dr. Bartolo is played by Stefano de Peppo, and the cunning Marcellina is performed by Megan Marino. The cast is rounded out by our current Jan Miller Studio Artists, including Rachel Fitzgerald singing the spirited Barbarina, Micah Perry taking on the roles of Basilio and Don Curzio and Joseph O’Shea as the eccentric gardener, Antonio.
“Le nozze di Figaro is the ultimate study in human behavior. A nobleman wishes to sleep with his servant’s wife on their wedding night. Out of this simple premise, a tale of intrigue and clash of personalities unfolds. Part of the magic of this opera is that Mozart composed a piece based on real human characters. The psychological profile of the characters and the thematic attention musically to each personality keeps modern audiences interested in this amazing piece of musical theater,” Pensacola Opera Artistic Director Corey McKern said.
Pensacola Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro features striking set designs by Steven C. Kemp (courtesy of New Orleans Opera), vibrant costumes newly designed by Glenn Avery Breed with Wardrobe Witchery, wigs and makeup by Brittany Rappise at Makeup Wigstress and dynamic lighting by Connie Smith. The production is led by a talented team, including conductor Cody Martin, director Corey McKern, production stage manager Alayna Powell and technical director Drew McCrary.
The principal cast is met on stage with an amazing group of volunteer singers known as the Pensacola Opera Chorus. Led by Cody Martin, the Opera Chorus acts as the ensemble in the production and plays an essential role in helping bring these stories to life. This season also continues our long-standing relationship with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, who brings the beautiful music to life for us from the orchestra pit for each production.
The Marriage of Figaro promises an exhilarating, larger-than-life opera experience—an evening brimming with passion, humor and sublime music. Performances will be held on January 24 at 7:30 pm and January 26 at 2 pm at the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola.
Pensacola Opera will close its 42nd Season with one of opera’s most emotionally intense and thrilling works, Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci on March 14 and 16 at the Saenger Theatre. With a powerful cast, dramatic storytelling and an evocative score, this gripping “opera within an opera” is sure to captivate audiences.
Conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Jerome Shannon and directed by Nashville Opera Artistic Director John Hoomes, this production promises an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Pagliacci tells the tragic tale of Canio, the leader of a traveling circus troupe, who must perform while battling heartbreak and jealousy when he discovers that his wife, Nedda, has been unfaithful. The opera’s combination of love, betrayal and violence culminates in one of the most famous and devastating moments in opera—Canio’s anguished cry, “La commedia è finita!” (“The comedy is over!”). With its intense emotional power and soaring melodies, Pagliacci has earned its place as one of the most enduring works in the operatic canon.
The production features a talented Pensacola Opera debut cast, with tenor Ben Gulley as Canio (playing Pagliaccio in the play), a role that requires both vocal and dramatic prowess. Soprano Amber Monroe takes on the role of Nedda (Colombina), baritone Weston Hurt sings the role of Tonio (Taddeo) and baritone Charles Eaton plays Nedda’s young lover, Silvio. Current Jan Miller Studio Artists tenor Micah Perry sings Beppe (Arlecchino), baritone Joseph O’Shea and tenor Greg Watson–30+ production member of the Opera Chorus–act as villagers.
Pagliacci will truly be a celebration of the performing musical arts in our community. Our principal cast is met on stage with an amazing group of volunteer singers known as the Pensacola Opera Chorus. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will joins us in the pit for our last mainstage production of the season, led by Jerome Shannon and members of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus fill in our ensemble on stage.
Pensacola Opera’s Pagliacci will be brought to life with stunning visual elements, including set designs by Constantine Kritikos (courtesy of New Orleans Opera) and costumes by Glenn Avery Breed at Wardrobe Witchery. The production crew is led by lighting designer Connie Smith, stage manager Nadine Andrews and hair and makeup designer Brittany V.A. Rappise at Makeup Wigstress.
Pensacola Opera will host performances of Pagliacci on March 14 at 7:30 pm and March 16 at 2 pm at the Saenger Theatre.
Tickets to Pensacola Opera’s 42nd Season productions are on sale now and can be purchased online through ticketmaster.com, by calling (850) 433-6737 or in person at Pensacola Opera located at 75 S. Tarragona St. in downtown Pensacola. Pensacola Opera is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
For complete show details and information on other upcoming opera events, visit pensacolaopera.com.
