Marriage of Figaro Still Asks Dangerous Questions Today
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Oak Park: Thurs. July 30 and Fri. July 31, 2026.
Singing Sensation José Luis Maldonado stars in Bellissima Opera's bold new production. Directer: Carl Ratner; Concept: Christine Steyer
Bellissima Opera presents a groundbreaking new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Ballroom in Oak Park.
Today, The Marriage of Figaro remains one of opera's most beloved comedies. Yet when Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte adapted Pierre Beaumarchais's explosive play in 1786, they faced a serious challenge: convincing Emperor Joseph II to approve a work that questioned inherited privilege, social hierarchy, and rights of the ruling class.
Bellissima Opera's new concept places these four historical figures alongside the action. Through dialogue, letters, and commentary woven between scenes, audiences witness the fascinating struggle between artistic expression, censorship, political power, and public opinion that nearly prevented the opera from reaching the stage, while all of Mozart's glorious music is performed by a professional cast.
Hailed by Opera News as a singer with a “seemingly unlimited baritone,” José Luis Maldonado stars in the title role of Figaro. Maldonado brings vocal beauty, seamless technique, and magnetic stage presence to one of opera's most beloved and revolutionary heroes.
Set during a single “mad day,” The Marriage of Figaro follows the servants Figaro and Susanna as they outwit their employer, Count Almaviva, expose hypocrisy, and ultimately demonstrate that intelligence, integrity, and love can triumph over status and power.
Directed by Carl Ratner and adapted by Christine Steyer, this production preserves everything audiences love about Figaro, the comedy, romance, and magnificent music. Founder and co-artistic director of Bellissima Opera Christine Steyer says, "At the same time, it allows audiences to discover the enduring questions it raises about privilege, power, and who gets to shape society."
EVENT INFORMATION
Performances
Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Free Lecture: A Sneak Peek at Our New Adaptation
Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Venue
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
Grand Ballroom
178 Forest Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60301
Tickets
$10–$60 BellissimaOpera.com/Figaro
Performance Information
· Opera runs approximately three hours, including intermission.
· Performed in Italian with English supertitles.
· Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Patron Information
· Mobility accessible venue
· Low-cost parking structure adjacent to the venue
· Tickets are expected to sell quickly; advance purchase is recommended
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
The production stars José Luis Maldonado (Figaro) Nina Marchese (Susanna) Caden Cole (Count) Christine Steyer (Countess) Maria Molter (Cherubino) Dominique Frigo (Marcellina) Brad Schuller (Don Basilio) Karissa Burkhardt (Barbarina) Carl Ratner (Antonio) Alex Honzen (Don Bartolo) and Peter Lorenzo (Don Curzio) Phil Frigo, Aaron Grace, Christina Ray (ensemble).
The production's historical framework is brought to life by actors Peter Stigdon (Mozart) Brandon Burkhardt (Lorenzo Da Ponte) John B. Boss (Pierre Beaumarchais) and Thomas M. Shea as Emperor Joseph II.
The creative team includes Nathan Eck (pianist) Carl Ratner (director) Christine Steyer (concept creator) Nick Sandys (drama consultant) and Dana Brown (music consultant).
Bellissima Opera's Youth Ensemble: Yzabella A, Max B, Noemi F, Lorena I, Gwenna K, Gabriela L, Lucas M, Noah M, Martin O, Michael O.
About Bellissima Opera
Founded in 2010, Bellissima Opera & Song, an initiative of Working In Concert, uses the art of opera to empower lives and build community. Through innovative productions and collaborations with emerging and established artists, Bellissima Opera makes the art form accessible, engaging, and relevant to today's audiences.
Singing Sensation José Luis Maldonado stars in Bellissima Opera's bold new production. Directer: Carl Ratner; Concept: Christine Steyer
Bellissima Opera presents a groundbreaking new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Ballroom in Oak Park.
Today, The Marriage of Figaro remains one of opera's most beloved comedies. Yet when Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte adapted Pierre Beaumarchais's explosive play in 1786, they faced a serious challenge: convincing Emperor Joseph II to approve a work that questioned inherited privilege, social hierarchy, and rights of the ruling class.
Bellissima Opera's new concept places these four historical figures alongside the action. Through dialogue, letters, and commentary woven between scenes, audiences witness the fascinating struggle between artistic expression, censorship, political power, and public opinion that nearly prevented the opera from reaching the stage, while all of Mozart's glorious music is performed by a professional cast.
Hailed by Opera News as a singer with a “seemingly unlimited baritone,” José Luis Maldonado stars in the title role of Figaro. Maldonado brings vocal beauty, seamless technique, and magnetic stage presence to one of opera's most beloved and revolutionary heroes.
Set during a single “mad day,” The Marriage of Figaro follows the servants Figaro and Susanna as they outwit their employer, Count Almaviva, expose hypocrisy, and ultimately demonstrate that intelligence, integrity, and love can triumph over status and power.
Directed by Carl Ratner and adapted by Christine Steyer, this production preserves everything audiences love about Figaro, the comedy, romance, and magnificent music. Founder and co-artistic director of Bellissima Opera Christine Steyer says, "At the same time, it allows audiences to discover the enduring questions it raises about privilege, power, and who gets to shape society."
EVENT INFORMATION
Performances
Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Free Lecture: A Sneak Peek at Our New Adaptation
Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Venue
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
Grand Ballroom
178 Forest Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60301
Tickets
$10–$60 BellissimaOpera.com/Figaro
Performance Information
· Opera runs approximately three hours, including intermission.
· Performed in Italian with English supertitles.
· Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Patron Information
· Mobility accessible venue
· Low-cost parking structure adjacent to the venue
· Tickets are expected to sell quickly; advance purchase is recommended
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
The production stars José Luis Maldonado (Figaro) Nina Marchese (Susanna) Caden Cole (Count) Christine Steyer (Countess) Maria Molter (Cherubino) Dominique Frigo (Marcellina) Brad Schuller (Don Basilio) Karissa Burkhardt (Barbarina) Carl Ratner (Antonio) Alex Honzen (Don Bartolo) and Peter Lorenzo (Don Curzio) Phil Frigo, Aaron Grace, Christina Ray (ensemble).
The production's historical framework is brought to life by actors Peter Stigdon (Mozart) Brandon Burkhardt (Lorenzo Da Ponte) John B. Boss (Pierre Beaumarchais) and Thomas M. Shea as Emperor Joseph II.
The creative team includes Nathan Eck (pianist) Carl Ratner (director) Christine Steyer (concept creator) Nick Sandys (drama consultant) and Dana Brown (music consultant).
Bellissima Opera's Youth Ensemble: Yzabella A, Max B, Noemi F, Lorena I, Gwenna K, Gabriela L, Lucas M, Noah M, Martin O, Michael O.
About Bellissima Opera
Founded in 2010, Bellissima Opera & Song, an initiative of Working In Concert, uses the art of opera to empower lives and build community. Through innovative productions and collaborations with emerging and established artists, Bellissima Opera makes the art form accessible, engaging, and relevant to today's audiences.
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Where is it happening?
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherBellissima Opera
