A shining example is The Marriage of Figaro, which is hailed as one of the greatest operas of all time.
Brampton Lyric Opera is hoping to make up for a season of lagging ticket sales with their production on April 19 at Rose Theatre.

The show features a star-studded lineup of singers, with Andrew Tees, who plays Figaro, being one to watch for. Tees has enjoyed recent roles with the Canadian Opera Company and Opera Lyra Ottawa.
"This is my fifth time doing this role and I'm still finding new things in the score," the renowned baritone said. "Figaro is such a happy-go-lucky guy and it is such a great role to play. I never get tired of singing it."
Opera fans often have a hard time choosing their favourite Mozart opera. Usually it is a tossup between The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute. The two are very different, with The Marriage of Figaro being a charming, Italian comic opera, and The Magic Flute a fanciful, German opera.

Although Mozart never achieved the fame he deserved during his lifetime, The Marriage of Figaro was successful when it opened in 1786 in Vienna. Today, it is the sixth most-produced opera in North America. (Interestingly, The Magic Flute is number 10 on that list.)

Some opera aficionados say it is the storyline that makes the work so appealing.

The Marriage of Figaro is based on the play of the same name by Pierre Beaumarchais. It is set in Spain at the palace of Count Almaviva. The Count is married, but is a known philanderer, and he has set his sights on a servant named Susanna.

However, she is engaged to another servant, Figaro. Susanna and the Countess join forces to teach the count a lesson.

The play was considered scandalous because of its satire of the aristocracy and was subsequently banned, but Emperor Joseph II was kind to Mozart and approved the subject matter for an opera.
Timeless classic

"I think it is timeless because it is so comic and written so well," said soprano Sandra Tucker, who plays Susanna. "The theme is very modern— how men and women love each other and how the women play the men, and that never changes."

While the storyline is appealing, soprano Tina Winter argues that without Mozart's brilliance, the opera would not be memorable. Winter has a soft spot for the composer, which is unsurprising following her brilliant portrayal of the feathered Papagena in BLO's production of The Magic Flute in 2007.

"His melodies are the most beautiful and the way he characterizes through the music is brilliant," said Winter, who takes on the role of the Countess. "Musically, this is my favourite opera. I think people who haven't seen it will be surprised at how enjoyable it is."

The show features a number of other familiar faces that BLO regulars will recognize, like Emilio and Jennifer Fina, Andrew Bolton, Karen Bojti, and Gerrit Theule. There will also be a live orchestra, as well as English subtitles to make the storyline easy to follow.

The Marriage of Figaro goes April 19 at 8 p.m. at Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane.

Tickets cost $30 to $60. For tickets or information, contact the Rose Theatre box office at 905-874-2800 or visit www.bramptonlyricopera.ca.