The Kent State Opera Theatre’s production of P.D.Q. Bach’s “The Abduction of Figaro,” performed Nov. 15-17 in the Wright-Curtis Theatre, featured a dying servant, young lovers, a pirate and much more.
The story is a parody of traditional operatic tropes; most of Bach’s work includes parodies of classical music.
Timothy Culver, professor and stage director for “The Abduction of Figaro,” said the opera’s story is full of comedy.
“Figaro, the servant to the Count, is dying,” Culver said. “Figaro’s wife is at his deathbed. Another woman comes to town who is searching for the man that has wronged her. Out of nowhere, a pirate shows up and decides that she will kidnap Figaro to get what she wants, and hilarity ensues.”
Production for the show started at the very beginning of the semester, directly after casting. A course was attached to the production where students rehearsed for six hours a week.
Jay White, professor, director of opera studies and music director for “The Abduction of Figaro,” described how rehearsals came together.
“It is a very collaborative process with everyone that is involved,” White said.
Lucas Spencer, a senior music and voice performance student, played the role of Picadillo, a servant to character Susanna Susannadanna. His character is madly in love with every woman he sees on stage, and falls in love with the character Blondie.
Spencer said he heavily enjoyed working with everyone involved in the production.
“Everyone that we work with … they are all amazing people,” Spencer said. “It is really great to get to work with all of them to put on the show.”
To help the production come together, technical elements, such as lighting design, helped bring the story to life. A student lighting designer created designs based on their vision during rehearsals.
Students tend to have a lot of ownership when it comes to the operatic shows, and Culver said during rehearsals, he frequently reminded them it is their show.
“That is the satisfying part,” Culver said. “They take [the production] and love it.”
Maya Lee is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
