+++
author = ["authors/callie-cooper.md"]
categories = "Review"
date = 2019-11-17T05:00:00Z
discipline = ""
disclaimer = ""
image_gallery = []
postamble = ""
preamble = ""
primary_image = "https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1574022084/media/2019/11/sqDN1_7141_bv4klu.jpg"
primary_image_credit = " in Minnesota Opera's The Barber of Seville, 2019. Photo: Dan Norman."
related_articles = ["articles/talking-with-singers-daniela-mack.md", "articles/silent-night-ages-well-in-minnesota-revival.md"]
related_companies = ["scene/companies/minnesota-opera.md"]
related_people = ["scene/people/alek-shrader.md", "scene/people/daniela-mack.md"]
short_description = "Props must be given to Minnesota Opera for scheduling this family-friendly fan favorite, the seats were certainly filled. Hopefully the next generation of opera goers were hooked during this brief run! "
slug = "a-family-friendly-fan-favourite-minnesota-operas-barber"
social_media = []
title = "A family-friendly fan favourite: Minnesota Opera's Barber"
website = ""
youtube_url = ""

+++
[Minnesota Opera](/scene/companies/minnesota-opera/)'s most recent production of Rossini's [_The Barber of Seville _](https://mnopera.org/season/2019-2020/the-barber-of-seville/) opened last weekend at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Husband and wife team [Daniela Mack](/talking-with-singers-daniela-mack/) and [Alek Shrader](/scene/people/alek-shrader/) starred as Rosina and Count Almaviva. Ms. Mack provided strong low notes, with a sassy and empowered portrayal of Rosina that extended beyond her first aria "Una voce poco fa".  Often, Rosinas don't carry the passion through the lengthy opera.

<figure data-type="image">{{% md %}}![](https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1574022087/media/2019/11/DN3_6496_ggdrjm.jpg){{% /md %}}

<figcaption>Liam Beck-O'Sullivan as Figaro's Assistant and Minnesota Opera Chorus in Minnesota Opera's The Barber of Seville, 2019. Photo: Dan Norman.</figcaption>  
</figure>

There were many laughs of the evening, aided by the well coordinated antics of the male chorus. As Berta, Resident Artist [Danielle Beckvermit](https://mnopera.org/biography/danielle-beckvermit/) was memorable as a snuff-taking, hysterical sidekick to Dr. Bartolo. (Her trademark was random screams and carrying around a [ratchet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_(instrument)) to swing in a threatening manner at Rosina and the Count.) Beckvermit's aria was a lovely treble interlude amid an opera filled with rapid-fire Italian, and smoky arias for basses and mezzos. (Side note: every time I see this opera, I am kind of surprised by the number of bass-baritones on stage.)

<figure data-type="image">{{% md %}}![](https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1574022100/media/2019/11/DN1_6793_feq7m7.jpg){{% /md %}}

<figcaption>Daniela Mack as Rosina in Minnesota Opera's The Barber of Seville, 2019. Photo: Dan Norman.</figcaption>  
</figure>

The absolute highlight of this _Barber_ is the title character, sung by [Rodion Pogossov](/scene/people/rodion-pogossov/). Mr. Pogossov made his grand entrance for his signature aria, "Largo al factotum", from the front of the mezzanine. He really let it rip. His boisterous baritone rang in the hall as he showed off his bravado and soft shoe skills.

<figure data-type="image">{{% md %}}![](https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1574022126/media/2019/11/DN3_7411_ibzvaq.jpg){{% /md %}}

<figcaption>(l-r) Danielle Beckvermit as Berta, Andrew Gilstrap as Don Basilio, Patrick Carfizzi as Doctor Bartolo, Rodion Pagossov as Figaro, Alek Shrader as Count Almaviva, and Daniela Mack as Rosina in Minnesota Opera's The Barber of Seville, 2019. Photo: Dan Norman.</figcaption>  
</figure>

Director Francesca Zambello made an addition to the story by having a child actor play a silent role of Figaro's assistant. It was a comical and fresh addition to the opera. Dr. Bartolo was sung by [Patrick Carfizzi](/scene/people/patrick-carfizzi/)  and Andrew Gilstrap as Basilio.

<figure data-type="image">{{% md %}}![](https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1574022135/media/2019/11/DN3_8715_nj8qyn.jpg){{% /md %}}

<figcaption>The cast of Minnesota Opera's The Barber of Seville, 2019. Photo: Dan Norman.</figcaption>  
</figure>

Props must be given to Minnesota Opera for scheduling this family-friendly fan favourite, and the seats were certainly filled. Hopefully, the next generation of opera-goers were hooked during this brief run of _The Barber of Seville_. I look forward to [_Flight_ in January 2020](https://mnopera.org/season/2019-2020/flight/)!