Bellissima Opera summer 2026 presents The Marriage of Figaro – Unwrapped and Revealed
Starring Singing Sensation
José Luis Maldonado as FIGARO
Thursday, July 30, 7PM
Friday, July 31, 7PM
EVENT INFORMATION
Venue
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
178 Forest Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60301
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
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.
The Marriage of Figaro is 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 as audiences witness the fascinating struggle between artistic expression, censorship, political power, and public opinion that nearly prevented the opera from reaching the stage, while 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.”
SOLOISTS
José Luis Maldonado – Figaro
Nini 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
Peter Lorenzo – Don Curzio
ACTORS
Peter Stigdon – Mozart
Brandon Burkhardt – Da Ponte
John B Boss – Beaumarchais
Thomas M Shea – Emperor Joseph II
YOUTH & ADULT ENSEMBLE
Yzabella Anderson, Max Bozman,
Noemi Flores, Phil Frigo,
Aaron Grace, Lorena Izquierdo,
Gwenna Kelley, Gabriela Lufrano,
Lucas Madrigal, Noah Madrigal,
Martin O’Connor, Michael O’Connor,
Christina Ray
CREATIVE STAFF
DIRECTOR Carl Ratner
CONCEPT Christine Steyer
CONSULTANT Nick Sandys
MUSIC CONSULTANT Dana Brown
PIANIST Nathan Eck
CHOREOGRAPHER Karissa Burkhardt
Kerri Burkhardt – Artistic Administrator
Em Clausing – Stage Manager
Claudia Hommel – Executive Director
Produced by Bellissima Opera & Working In Concert
QUESTIONS? Contact Claudia Hommel (773) 509-9360 or [email protected]