Opera with Michelle-Marie Heinemann

SARASOTA, FL – The Marriage of Figaro: A Masterclass in Love, Mischief, and Musical Brilliance

I just attended Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Sarasota Opera House. It is the operatic equivalent of an expertly crafted farce—equal parts wit, romance, and delightful chaos, all wrapped in a score so sublime it could make even the most hardened cynic believe in love (or at least in the power of a well-placed disguise).

At its core, the opera is a whirlwind of deception, desire, and deliciously sharp social commentary. Figaro, a quick-witted valet, is set to marry his beloved Susanna, but his employer—the rakish and incorrigibly entitled Count Almaviva—has other ideas. Determined to exercise an outdated feudal privilege (and his own lack of self-restraint), the Count attempts to seduce Susanna, much to the dismay of his neglected wife, the ever-dignified Countess. What follows is a symphony of mistaken identities, near-misses, and intricate plots, all executed with the kind of impeccable comedic timing that makes one wonder if Mozart secretly invented the modern rom-com.

Yet beneath the playful disguises and rapid-fire recitatives lies a more profound commentary on power, class, and the ever-astounding ability of the human heart to outmaneuver even the most Machiavellian of minds. With music that sparkles as much as the intrigue, The Marriage of Figaro is both a testament to love’s resilience and a cautionary tale for aristocrats who underestimate their servants.

By the time the curtain falls, order is restored, lovers are reunited, and the Count—humbled but not entirely reformed—begs for forgiveness in one of opera’s most exquisite moments of reconciliation. The lesson? Never underestimate a clever valet, a determined bride, or the power of a well-timed musical number. 

A standing ovation for the following cast members and staff. 

Cast: 

Figaro, Mattia Venni

Susanna, Virginia Mims

Countess Almaviva, Michelle Johnson

Count Almaviva, Jake Stamatis

Cherubino, Tessa Fackelman

Bartolo, Brian Kontes

Conductor, Louis Lohraseb

Stage Director, Tom Diamond 

Costume Designer, Howard Tsvi Kaplan

Lighting Designer, Ken Yunker

Set Designer, J. Michael Wingfield 

*Ms. Heinemann is a classically trained pianist having recorded 2 albums and recently performed at the prestigious Fazioli Concert Hall in Sacile, Italy.