Tra la la. Largo al factotum.

* Notes *
Alarmingly, the fifth performance of Il Barbiere di Siviglia this season was worse than opening night, at least as far as Act I. John Osborn (Count Almaviva) was flat, Allyson McHardy (Rosina) gasped in her prominent aria "Una voce poco fa," Nathan Gunn (Figaro) seemed more concerned with his Vespa than with singing, and the finale of Act I was not together. This last bit was rather embarrassing, utter chaos. Act II was markedly better, but on the whole not inspired.

* Tattling *
Because the performance began half an hour earlier than usual, in order to get us to bed at a reasonable time, there were many latecomers. They were not allowed to take their seats, so there were nearly two dozen disgruntled patrons waiting about in standing room, For some reason, they preferred to speak during the arias, duets, and ensembles rather than the recitative.

I've also noticed that people love to check their mobile devices during the performances, one young lady in X 102 seemed to be intently staring at her phone. I don't much care if people are paying attention or not, but the lighted screen is distracting.

Considering my lack of enthusiasm for this production, perhaps I should not go again for the Sunday matinee. I've already made two more dates to see in the latter half of the month, so maybe five times isn't strictly necessary.