Follies of a Day; OR, The Marriage of Figaro (Figaro Trilogy #2) (English)

This is Thomas Holcroft's English translation, obtained by attending Pierre Beaumarchais' French play nine times in Paris during its original official staging in 1784. Beaumarchais' play was the basis for Mozart's 1796 opera, and is a satire about lovers' misdoings and French society. Because of its rebellious themes, presented during the troubling times leading up to the French Revolution, Beaumarchais had a very difficult time getting his play past the censors. Once staged, the play was enormously popular with audiences, including the aristocracy despite their understanding of the underlying themes. It was shocking that a commoner could contend directly with a nobleman. Louis XVI was not amused with Beaumarchais and imprisoned him for a few days. In our play, staged in London in 1785, Figaro is engaged to be married to Susan, who has caught the eye of Count Almaviva . . . (Holcroft Anglicized Suzanne's name so that English audiences would better accept her.) (Summary by Lynette Caulkins.)

The other plays in the trilogy are #1: The Barber of Seville and #3: Frailty and Hypocrisy.

Cast list:

Stage Directions: Larry Wilson

Figaro: Todd

Susan: Jenn Broda

Count Almaviva: Jake Malizia

Countess: WendyKatzHiller

Marcelina: Joanna Michal Hoyt

Doctor Bartholo: Scott Caulkins

The Page Hannibal: Cindy Gorman

Basil: Alan Mapstone

Agnes: Therese Lindholm

Antonio: Ryan Williams

Don Guzman: Greg Giordino

Bounce: Adrian Stephens

Servant: Adrian Stephens

Crier of the Court: Lynette Caulkins

Doublefee: Tchaikovsky

Courier: Jim Hedrick