Feb. 10, 2025
Contact James Wilson at 608-796-3771 or jewilson@viterbo.edu
VITERBO CONSERVATORY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS TO PRESENT THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO AT THE WEBER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS FEB. 21–23
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Love, lust, revenge, and a wedding…it’s all there in the Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro Friday, Feb. 21–Sunday, Feb. 23 in the Weber Center for the Performing Arts Lyche Theatre.
Widely considered one of the greatest operas ever written, The Marriage of Figaro continues the plot of The Barber of Seville and takes place in the manor of Count Almaviva. Servants Figaro and Susanna want to marry, but the Count has ideas of his own. Love and mischief merge in a whirlwind of schemes and raucous antics as mistaken identities, clever disguises, and humorous misunderstandings come to life for an operatic experience that brims with pure joy and boundless entertainment.
“The Marriage of Figaro offers a wonderful balance of comedy, seriousness, and relevant social commentary, threaded together with some of the greatest music ever written,” said Viterbo faculty member James Wilson, who is serving as the music director. “Beyond its entertainment value, opera provides a valuable educational experience for our students. The intricate recitatives and ensemble numbers demand exceptional vocal technique and musicianship. Our students have embraced this challenge, dedicating countless hours to learning and perfecting their roles.”
The show’s director, Jeni Houser, has twice played the role of Susanna during her professional career, and has recently appeared as Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
“We have moved the story from 18th century Spain to 1940 America, where the themes of class conflict, gender inequality, infidelity, and forgiveness are as relevant as ever,” Houser said. “As in much great art, this opera uses comedy to highlight truths of the human experience while entertaining us. Figaro has been one of my favorite operas since I first saw it, and working with the students at Viterbo is pure joy. They are full of creative energy and are enjoying tackling this huge opera.”
This Viterbo production of The Marriage of Figaro stars students Beth Anderson and Skye Hermsen in the role of Susanna, Dylan Woodman as Figaro, Lukas Nederloe as the Count, and Ellyn Werner as the Countess.
This production is sponsored by The Lukasek Family Endowment Fund.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21–22 and 2 p.m. Feb. 23. Tickets are $25, plus taxes and fees. For more information or to order tickets, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/tickets.
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