CSUN Theatre and Music departments debuted “The Marriage of Figaro” on Nov. 20, showcasing the classic Mozart opera for the modern audience. The opera was directed by Maurice Godin, with music direction led by Mercedes Juan Musotto. The production cast alternated each night, giving the audience unique spins on different characters.

The opera, composed on the cusp of the French Revolution in 1786, tells the story of a servant named Figaro, played by Esteban Perez and Frederic Lee, and maid Susanna, played by Camila Lima and Sam Rosenburg, on their wedding day. Outside forces, like the love-struck Count Almaviva, played by Patrick Bittner and Leviticus Valko, and the cunning Marcellina, played by Jessica Liu, interfere with the couple’s plans.

This simple romantic narrative was filled with plot twists and sharp-witted humor that kept audience members on their toes. Though written almost three centuries ago, the tale still resonates with today’s viewers as they experienced themes of love, jealousy, aristocracy, betrayal and forgiveness during the three-hour play.

The entire opera was written and spoken in Italian, with English captions available above the stage. There was a synopsis in the program, giving audience members the chance to follow along if they were lost in the story.

Set in the Campus Theatre in Nordhoff Hall, the energetic crowd laughed at the many parts of the play as physical comedy and dramatic expressions electrified each scene. Along with the stunning dialogue, loud gasps were heard at the reveal of some characters’ true identities.

The minimalist design on stage shaped the story in many scenes. Large, white pillars were utilized as entrances, as well as a garden in the final act of the play. Two small sets of stairs helped elevate certain characters when portraying dominance or giving powerful monologues.

The clothing style was reminiscent of the period; Italian dresses of varying both bright and dark colors flourished on the stage by the women, while the men donned many kinds of suits matching their social status. The house staff’s white costumes signified their roles as butlers and maids, and Antonio, the gardener played by Ian Ryan and Gabe Baker, was apparent with his straw hat and overalls.

Lima explained how she was excited for the Mozart production as this was her first time in a big role. She reflected on her hard work and experiences throughout the play.

“Susanna, the character I do, is fun, and she’s all throughout the show,” Lima said. “It was a challenge, but it was a lot of fun to do it.”

Music played a huge role in the atmosphere of each scene as characters sang with high octaves and wide range in their librettos. A symphony of instruments conveyed the mood also emphasized the play’s themes through the dramatic performances of Cherubino and the Countess.

“It was just really fun and cool to see a bunch of different musicians coming together and just seeing how the process is,” said Kayla Beltran, chorus member for the opera.

CSUN Theatre’s fall productions have come to a wrap, and their spring productions, “Twelfth Night” and “The Addams Family,” will open up for auditions soon.