Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia – Opera Tampa (2008) – Tampa Tribune

It was a beautiful Friday night in Tampa. I had admittedly great seats… I sat next to James Marvel, the director for this production. I did not know that initially. In retrospect, I hope he didn’t mind me asserting my elbow space on the armrest!

I laughed out loud at several points in the performance due to good comedy! Whether or not you are an opera fan, you MUST go see this. Opera Tampa has put together an impressive production, and an unbeatable night of entertainment and music. Seriously, JUST GO… you will not regret it no matter who you are. For the opera fans, this production provides everything you will need to make you smile. For those who never have attended opera, this production is an excellent introduction to opera of the Italian comic flavor. You don’t need to even be an “opera fan” to enjoy the program but you will be an opera fan once you go. The house was nearly full for opening night, and I am confident that attendance for this season will remain high, based upon the quality of production and performance I saw on Friday.

– Dale Johnston, Dec.06, 2008, Tampa Tribune