Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 5 - Le Comte Ory

Lawrence Brownlee in Seattle Opera’s production of Le Comte Ory The master of operatic comedy who created The Barber of Seville strikes again with this side- splitting romp replete with onstage antics that match its high-energy music. Hijinks ensue when Countess Adèle sequesters herself in her castle while her valiant brother is away on a crusade. In his absence, the amorous Count Ory stops at nothing (including disguising himself as a nun!) to gain entry to the castle and woo the virtuous Countess. Le Comte Ory is one of opera’s most frothy delights, with music that bubbles over like the most effervescent champagne. In this pricelessly witty production, bel canto tenor par excellence Lawrence Brownlee stars in the virtuosic title role—one of his specialties internationally—opposite the Countess of Kathryn Lewek, one of her generation’s most scintillating coloratura sopranos. You’ll smile from the overture to the happy ending. Jacob F.Lucas/Seattle Opera