At the Opera

And yes, I am blogging in the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. We’re about to go backstage but before we do, I’ve been reading the synopsis and here’s the story in a simplified nutshell: Figaro and Susanna are engaged.

marriage-of-figaro-manga-roy-husada

One problem though: he’s a valet and she’s a maid. Which would be fine except that their master, the lecherous Count, has a thing for Susanna and intends to claim his feudal right to take a manservant’s place on his wedding night.

Oh dear.

But this being opera there are love triangles a-plenty and Figaro and Susanna are only one of the many would-be couples facing drama trauma. Who will outwit whom? Who will disguise himself as a woman to learn dirty secrets? Who will end up in a much older suitor’s bed?

I can’t wait to find out. To read the full Manga, click here.

briony-backstage-vancouver-opera

Update: After heading backstage for a pre-show talk (see my friend Briony exploring above), we’re sitting front row, which is fantastic (unless you want to read the surtitles) but we get to see the opera the way the conductor sees the opera, which means we have a clear view of all the sweat and the spit.

vintage-wedding-dress-neckline-detail

And this is how polluted my brain is: I’m watching Mozart’s masterpiece and I can’t help but think of Gossip Girl. Figaro and Susanna = Dorota and Vanya. I mean, really.

briony-kelsey-anthology-opera1

But the Marriage of Figaro is to the opera world what the Nutcracker is to the ballet world: it is accessible, popular, and full of melodies anyone would recognize. Which is why Briony and I are having an absolute blast.

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11 Comments

  • Reply Cafe Fashionista April 24, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    You have just achieved something I thought impossible, Kelsey…making me interested in a Manga. I thought I would never see the day; but this one is fantastic – love triangles always are! :)

  • Reply Irina April 25, 2010 at 10:22 am

    Let’s see the dress. Surtitles? More on the opera please.

  • Reply Larissa April 25, 2010 at 6:06 pm

    More full body shots of the dress c’mon!!!

  • Reply nadia April 26, 2010 at 11:59 am

    oh wow im incredibly jealous i always wanted to go to the opera and precisely to see this legendary opera
    love that cute cartoon you included

  • Reply lisa April 26, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    You look gorgeous! The shortened bridal gown reminds me a bit of what Grace Kelly wore in the opening scene of Rear Window. And The Marriage of Figaro sounds like it was a joy to watch. Maybe the boy and I will consider getting tickets for it.

  • Reply slk April 26, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    I’m with Larissa and Irene, more full outfit shots c’mon! ;)

  • Reply Marriage of Figaro at Vancouver Opera | MadameHeringer.com May 3, 2010 at 8:30 am

    […] If you need a second opinion before buying the tickets, Tris Hussey, Gus Fosarolli, Peter Andersen, Kelsey Dundon, and Vancouver Opera’s blog will provide  you with all good reasons to make this […]

  • Reply tanya May 4, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Hi I was there too! It was fab! <3

  • Reply tanya May 4, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    ps, wheres ur dress from??!!

  • Reply Kelsey May 11, 2010 at 10:23 am

    Cafe Fashionista — Seriously. The opera does such a brilliant job of marketing their goods. Manga? Opera? Love it!

    Irina — Surtitles are like subtitles, but they’re above the stage. You should go see Madama Butterfly!

    Larissa — Posted more shots for ya!

    Nadia — You should go. You’d especially love the costumes and the staging and all that razzle dazzle.

    Lisa — Yes! Love that Grace Kelly dress.

    SLK — You got ’em, my friend.

    Tanya — Did you love it? I found the dress at a thrift store and had it altered. It’s my new favourite.

  • Reply Figaro Blogger Night: Final Thoughts | Vancouver Opera Blog May 10, 2014 at 10:51 am

    […] But the Marriage of Figaro is to the opera world what the Nutcracker is to the ballet world: it is accessible, popular, and full of melodies anyone would recognize. Which is why Briony and I are having an absolute blast. – Kelsey Dundon […]

  • Leave a Reply to tanya