"Figaro" Gets Married

Smart and funny always makes for a good time.

"Figaro," at the Pearl Theatre extended through December 2nd,   is the very smart and very funny marriage of Beaumarchais and playwright Charles Morey. Witty and well-paced, "Figaro" is full of all the complications created by Pierre Caron de Beaumarchais in his 1778 play, "Le mariage de Figaro" and some ultra-modern solutions offered by Morey.

Photo by Jack J. Goldberg. Figaro (Sean McNall) shaves Count Almaviva (Chris Mixon) in The Pearl's "Figaro" 

There are many obstacles in the way before Figaro (Sean McNall) and Suzanne (Jolly Abraham) can get married. Their employer and patron who must sign the marriage banns, Count Almaviva (Chris Mixon),  is a randy fellow who has made Suzanne a project of his affections.

Photo by Jack J. Goldberg. Marcelline (Robin Leslie Brown), Dr. Bartholo (Dan Daily), The Count (Chris Mixon), The Countess (Joey Parsons), and Figaro (Sean McNall) in The Pearl's "Figaro" 

Figaro is both hero and narrator, engaging the audience as he explains his backstory. He makes allusions to his stint as "The Barber of Seville" as well as to Mozart's version of "The Marriage of Figaro."   His political and social commentary has a very contemporary feel.

"Figaro" features stock characters that are not stick figures but beautifully fleshed out. Broad and charming comedy is the calling card of this entertaining production. Expertly directed by Hal Brooks, the actors do an excellent job. Sean McNall is so comfortable as Figaro that he makes us all feel at home. He has what can only be called an iridescent charm. Jolly Abraham is a fetching Suzanne, aided by the clever Countess (Joey Parsons) in making the little subplots unravel hilariously. Chris Mixon's comic timing is superb; he is at once cadgy and clueless.

For more informaton or tickets for "Figaro,"    visit www.pearltheatre.org