Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!

Last night was a big night for my older girl, and for me too, as it was her first trip to the movies! This wasn't just any film, though, but a broadcast of The Metropolitan Opera's production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Why not start with a bang?

The Met began filming and distributing its performances to movie theatres a few years ago, and our opera-loving friend Julie K. was so enthusiastic about the shows, we just had to go with her. She loaned us her copy of the opera's libretto, so my daughter and I spent many evenings reading the story, singing the songs, and acting out some of the parts. Because the broadcast would be in Italian, we had to do our homework. By yesterday, she knew the story so well she could have been on stage with the pros!

What strange fun it was to arrive dressed for the opera, but to load up on popcorn, soda, and M&Ms! My girl said she particularly liked Rosina's pink taffeta costume, and spent the rest of the night recalling her favorite antics of Figaro and the rest of the comical cast.