The Barber Of Seville For Kids And Families

This spring, Opera New England (ONE), BLO's education and community programs division, presents a one-hour version of Rossini's comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville. The onehour, fully staged version of this great opera will be sung in English and performed for students and family audiences throughout New England.

Geared for children in grades 2-7, this abridged version tells the story of the legendary barber Figaro who uses every trick in the book to free the lovely Rosina from the clutches of crotchety Dr. Bartolo and unite her with the dashing Count Almaviva. Featuring BLO's live orchestra, ONE's production of Donizetti's charming opera is a perfect way to introduce children to opera so bring the whole family! Performed in English and fully staged with sets, costumes, and lights, these one-hour performances for young audiences features BLO's orchestra.

ARTISTS

* Figaro: Brian Dore, baritone Conductor: Tim Steele

* Almaviva: Matthew DiBattista, tenor Stage Director: Lynn Torgove

* Bartolo: Graham Wright, bass

* Rosina: Erica Brookhyser, mezzo-soprano

FAMILY PERFORMANCES

* Sunday, April 29, 2007 at 11:30am and 1:30pm John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley Street in Boston

* Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 11:30am and 1:30pm Casey Theatre at Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street in Weston, MA
* Tickets: $18 for adults and $12 for children. Call Audience Services at (617) 542-6772.

* TARGET is the Lead Sponsor of the ONE family performances.

* Classical 99.5 WCRB is the media sponsor of the ONE family performances.

* Study guide available as a free download at www.blo.org/education.html. This guide reinforces Massachusetts Learning Standards through a variety of fun opera activities. Ideal for teachers, parents and children in grades 2-7.

BENEFIT LUNCHEON

* Sunday, April 29, 2007 at 11:30am

* John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley Street in Boston

* Table Sponsorships beginning at $1,500 are on sale now: call (617) 542-4912, ext. 253.

* Tickets available April 2, 2007: $75 for adults and $50 for children.

* Price includes admittance to the 1:30pm performance.

* Tickets are limited - on a first come, first served basis.

* Proceeds from the ONE Benefit Luncheon underwrite the costs of bringing opera to thousands of kids and families in the Greater Boston area.

* The fun-filled event features a carnival of hands-on games and activities, lunch (topped off by the ever-popular make-your-own sundae bar), and ends with a fully-staged performance of The Barber of Seville. -- www.blo.org