If the plot of the Pearl Theatre Company’s “Figaro” seems familiar, that’s because you’ve seen it before, only set to Mozart’s gorgeous music. For this world premiere production, playwright Charles Morey has adapted Pierre Caron de Beaumarchais’ 1778 comedy — the inspiration for the classic opera just revived by the Met. Though still widely performed in France, the original is rarely seen on our shores.
Not that the French would necessarily recognize this freewheeling version, which frequently breaks the fourth wall and incorporates witty meta-theatrical asides winking at its origins. At one point, the scheming servant Figaro, played with gusto by Sean McNall, starts to recall, “Back in Seville, when I was a barber . . .” before conceding that “it would take an Italian opera to describe it.”
The convoluted plot concerns Figaro’s efforts to make sure his marriage to fellow servant Suzanne (Jolly Abraham) proceeds the next day, despite the fact that his master, Count Almaviva (Chris Mixon), aims to have her for himself. Meanwhile, the older noblewoman Marceline (Robin Leslie Brown) has designs on Figaro; Countess Almaviva (Joey Parsons) plans revenge on her two-timing husband and the baby-faced servant Cherubin (Ben Charles) is willing to do anything, even don a dress, to pursue his own assignations.
Much slamming of doors ensues, and though that grows tiresome, there’s enough subtle humor to compensate. Preparing to shave his master with a cleaver that the barbarous butcher Sweeney Todd would have envied, Figaro hums the French Revolution theme “La Marseillaise.” It’s a sly reference to King Louis XVI, who banned the play because it sent up the upper class.
Director Hal Brooks’ broad staging lets the ensemble mug to its heart’s content. The deliciously oily Mixon is a standout as the randy Count, while Brad Heberlee scores in a trio of supporting roles, especially as a stuttering judge. Jo Winiarski’s garish, candy-colored set and Barbara A. Bell’s handsome period costumes add to the fun.
This is but one of three Beaumarchais plays featuring the character of Figaro. Maybe next season we’ll be treated to his adventures as “The Barber of Seville.”