Synopsis
ACT 1
Young, clever, and wealthy, Rosina lives under the watchful eye of her guardian Dr. Bartolo, whose scheme is to marry her in order to gain her dowry. Count Almaviva endeavors to win her affection and disguises himself as a poor student named Lindoro to test her true affections for him. Needing to outwit Bartolo, Rosina appears at the window with a letter for Lindoro but is caught by her jealous guardian. Figaro, the industrious barber in town, helps Almaviva plan gain entry via disguise within a disguise: as a drunken soldier with orders to be quartered in Bartolo’s house.
Bartolo, however, learns from Rosina’s music teacher (Don Basilio) of Almaviva’s intentions to court his young ward, and resolves to marry Rosina immediately. Almaviva arrives in his soldier disguise with the fictitious orders and tries to discretely deliver a love note to Rosina, but Bartolo protests and summons the police to arrest the drunken soldier. Almaviva privately reveals his true identity to the sergeant, who commands his men to release the Count. Everyone is dumbfounded by the turn of events.
INTERMISSION
ACT 2
Not swayed in his quest to win over Rosina, Almaviva assumes a third disguise, dressing this time as Don Basilio’s substitute teacher, Don Alonso. He attempts to gain Bartolo’s trust by telling him of Don Basilio’s plot to defame the Count, and shows him a letter from Rosina to Lindoro as proof. Figaro arrives to give Bartolo a shave and steals the key to Rosina’s balcony for Almaviva, but Don Basilio arrives unexpectedly and almost derails the entire plan. Almaviva finally manages to get a private moment with Rosina (who still believes him to be Lindoro.) Unfortunately, Bartolo overhears them discussing their nocturnal escape plan and orders “Don Alonso” from his house.
Bartolo shows Rosina the letter she wrote to Lindoro and convinces her that he obtained it from Lindoro, who must be working as an agent for Count Almaviva. Feeling betrayed, Rosina confronts Lindoro, who finally reveals his genuine identity to her. She reconciles with him, and their marriage takes place with the reluctant assistance of Don Basilio. Bartolo realizes what has transpired but arrives too late to prevent the union. He can only watch as the newlyweds and others celebrate their successful ruse and love triumphing over his schemes.
“Barber Gets a Trim” Challenge
Introducing the “Barber Gets a Trim” challenge! Artists are given 60 seconds to sum up The Barber of Seville in their own words—but can they pull it off? Stay until the end to see if director Chuck Hudson nails the challenge… or flops.
The Barber of Seville
May 3 – 18, 2025
