/ MIOpera presents The Barber of Seville in this year s opener after a successful production of Die Fledermaus (pictured) last season. The Barber of Seville has been popular for 300 years, give or take. The play was in 1775. Mozart did it and then Rossini did it in 1814. Now, MIOpera is doing it in Bloomington-Normal on Aug. 7 at Heartland Community College s Astroth Auditorium.
Artistic Director Tracy Koch and director John Koch said the story begins with a helpful barber. John Koch said there is a love-stricken young man, a beautiful young woman, and a lecherous chaperone. Count Almaviva, the lover, needs a boost from Figaro a barber and jack of all trades to win the beautiful Rosina and overcome obstacles, so many obstacles.