# Event Details - **Event Name**: Marriage of Figaro Still Asks Dangerous Questions Today - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 30 Jul, 2026 at 07:00 pm - **Event Description**: Oak Park: Thurs. July 30 and Fri. July 31, 2026. Singing Sensation José Luis Maldonado stars in Bellissima Opera's bold new production. Directer: Carl Ratner; Concept: Christine Steyer Bellissima Opera presents a groundbreaking new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Ballroom in Oak Park. Today, The Marriage of Figaro remains one of opera's most beloved comedies. Yet when Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte adapted Pierre Beaumarchais's explosive play in 1786, they faced a serious challenge: convincing Emperor Joseph II to approve a work that questioned inherited privilege, social hierarchy, and rights of the ruling class. Bellissima Opera's new concept places these four historical figures alongside the action. Through dialogue, letters, and commentary woven between scenes, audiences witness the fascinating struggle between artistic expression, censorship, political power, and public opinion that nearly prevented the opera from reaching the stage, while all of Mozart's glorious music is performed by a professional cast. Hailed by Opera News as a singer with a “seemingly unlimited baritone,” José Luis Maldonado stars in the title role of Figaro. Maldonado brings vocal beauty, seamless technique, and magnetic stage presence to one of opera's most beloved and revolutionary heroes. Set during a single “mad day,” The Marriage of Figaro follows the servants Figaro and Susanna as they outwit their employer, Count Almaviva, expose hypocrisy, and ultimately demonstrate that intelligence, integrity, and love can triumph over status and power. Directed by Carl Ratner and adapted by Christine Steyer, this production preserves everything audiences love about Figaro, the comedy, romance, and magnificent music. Founder and co-artistic director of Bellissima Opera Christine Steyer says, "At the same time, it allows audiences to discover the enduring questions it raises about privilege, power, and who gets to shape society." EVENT INFORMATION Performances Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Free Lecture: A Sneak Peek at Our New Adaptation Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Venue Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Grand Ballroom 178 Forest Avenue Oak Park, IL 60301 Tickets $10–$60 BellissimaOpera.com/Figaro Performance Information · Opera runs approximately three hours, including intermission. · Performed in Italian with English supertitles. · Recommended for ages 12 and older. Patron Information · Mobility accessible venue · Low-cost parking structure adjacent to the venue · Tickets are expected to sell quickly; advance purchase is recommended CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM The production stars José Luis Maldonado (Figaro) Nina Marchese (Susanna) Caden Cole (Count) Christine Steyer (Countess) Maria Molter (Cherubino) Dominique Frigo (Marcellina) Brad Schuller (Don Basilio) Karissa Burkhardt (Barbarina) Carl Ratner (Antonio) Alex Honzen (Don Bartolo) and Peter Lorenzo (Don Curzio) Phil Frigo, Aaron Grace, Christina Ray (ensemble). The production's historical framework is brought to life by actors Peter Stigdon (Mozart) Brandon Burkhardt (Lorenzo Da Ponte) John B. Boss (Pierre Beaumarchais) and Thomas M. Shea as Emperor Joseph II. The creative team includes Nathan Eck (pianist) Carl Ratner (director) Christine Steyer (concept creator) Nick Sandys (drama consultant) and Dana Brown (music consultant). Bellissima Opera's Youth Ensemble: Yzabella A, Max B, Noemi F, Lorena I, Gwenna K, Gabriela L, Lucas M, Noah M, Martin O, Michael O. About Bellissima Opera Founded in 2010, Bellissima Opera & Song, an initiative of Working In Concert, uses the art of opera to empower lives and build community. Through innovative productions and collaborations with emerging and established artists, Bellissima Opera makes the art form accessible, engaging, and relevant to today's audiences. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/oak-park/marriage-of-figaro-still-asks-dangerous-questions-today/200030325285708 - **Event Categories**: art, music, entertainment, theatre, comedy, nonprofit, concerts, performances, workshops, contests - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 132 ## Ticket Details ## Event venue details - **city**: Oak Park - **state**: IL - **country**: United States - **location**: Nineteenth Century Charitable Association - **lat**: 41.88994 - **long**: -87.7998099 - **full address**: Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Marriage of Figaro Still Asks Dangerous Questions Today - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/d991aeddaf77947d240429fe791da6c3a1975192957d47f625f35f451085a302-rimg-w1200-h361-dc080808-gmir?v=1785448520 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Marriage of Figaro Still Asks Dangerous Questions Today being held? - **A:** Marriage of Figaro Still Asks Dangerous Questions Today takes place on Thu, 30 Jul, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Thu, 30 Jul, 2026 at 07:00 pm at Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Marriage of Figaro Still Asks Dangerous Questions Today? - **A:** Marriage of Figaro Still Asks Dangerous Questions Today is organized by Bellissima Opera. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Marriage of Figaro Still Asks Dangerous Questions Today is ideal for music lovers, fans of all genres, and anyone who wants to celebrate the power of music - from intimate gigs and live sessions to festivals and cultural performances. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Oak Park, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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