| By Brianna Kessler |
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE IN TEXAS is a fun and comical English/Spanish spin on Rossini's original production, The Barber of Seville, and is perfect for children and adults of all ages.
It's a classic love-at-first-sight fairy tale with an untraditional twist. Two lovers, Rosina, who only speaks Spanish, and Almaviva, who only speaks English, desperately try to advance their love for one another despite the language barriers and predetermined marriage intentions entangled in their love. With the help of a witty bilingual barber, the couple ties up loose ends and ultimately learns that even true love requires some translation.
The Barber of Seville in Texas was selected by Fort Worth Opera for the 2015-2016 season to draw new interest in the opera from families living in Fort Worth's diverse community. The sounds and themes in this opera have been updated to fit a 21st-century audience, which allows families to experience and enjoy opera together.
"Fort Worth Opera believes this 45-minute contemporary piece will serve to bridge both the age and cultural gap in the current audience of opera attendees," according to FW Opera Managing Director Hannah Guinn. .
Three public performances of the entertaining love story will be presented at Fort Worth's only active Hispanic theater, the Rose Marine Theatre, on Oct. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m.
Fort Worth Opera's coalition with Imagination Fort Worth and Fort Worth ISD in this production has also allowed the opera to present two private performances of the production to FWISD students. This is an amazing opportunity for Fort Worth Opera to further its goals of expanding the love of music and theater to new younger audiences.
"Many of the attending students will have their first opportunity to experience and perhaps fall in love with opera. Additionally, this piece weaves important local history into a classic history, celebrating the roots of our Hispanic population and making the story relevant to the students. Our partnership program offers a fabulous integration between operatic arts and social studies," according to Imagination Fort Worth Executive Director Lauri Bevan.
For more information about the Barber of Seville in Texas, visit
