Against the Grain Theatre (AtG), the rule-breaking opera company that has received critical acclaim for its unconventionally staged works, brings back their Dora Award winning (Outstanding New Opera; 2014) opera, Figaro’s Wedding, in a brand new production. Taking place at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse on Toronto’s King Street East, AtG will present a record 12-performance run: December 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15*, 18, 19 & 20, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. (*Matinee performance at 4:00 PM).

Staged as a real wedding with audience members attending as guests, the production is once again directed by Founder and Artistic Director Joel Ivany. A string quartet will accompany Figaro's Wedding in a new special arrangement, led by guest Music Director Rachael Kerr from the piano. The cast brings together several of Toronto’s hottest Canadian opera talents in the lead roles: soprano Alexandra Smither makes her AtG debut as Susanna, the blushing bride; baritone Bruno Roy, returning to AtG after performing in the award-winning production of Kopernikus, sings Figaro, the stressed-out groom; soprano Lauren Eberwein as the young heartthrob Cherubino; AtG Associate Artistic Director, soprano Miriam Khalil as Rosina, the modern Countess; and baritone Phillip Addis as Alberto, a re-imagined version of Mozart’s Count. Gregory Finney sings the traditional characters of Bartolo and Antonio, who have been transformed into the wedding officiant and florist, respectively. Jacques Arsenault is Basilo, the wedding planner, and Maria Soulis is Marcellina, the wedding venue coordinator.

Set and costume designer Anna Treusch, along with lighting designer Siobhán Sleath, make their AtG debut, transforming the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse—where real weddings frequently take place—into the setting for Susanna and Figaro’s comedic and contemporary wedding-planning angst.

“We’re so excited to bring Figaro’s Wedding back,” said Ivany. “For many of us in the company, this new opera was a landmark show for us and we’ve been wanting to reward our faithful community with one of our hits.”

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse is located at 106 Trinity St, Toronto. Tickets start at $35 and are available at www.atgtheatre.com.

Photo: Miriam Khalil as Rosina.