Forest Park Community Garden

The Forest Park Community Garden welcomes our members and the public Saturday, Aug. 15, for an evening of garden fun, friendly competition, food and neighbors. The Great Garden Fest is free and open to everyone, so bring the family and join us!

Local Event: Forest Park Community Garden Great Garden Fest 

Cook County

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Forest Park Community Garden Great Garden Fest 

The Forest Park Community Garden welcomes our members and the public Saturday, Aug. 15, for an evening of garden fun, friendly...

Dawn Wolfe

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Forest Park

West Side

Bucktown-Wicker Park

North Center-Roscoe Village

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

La Grange

Western Springs

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Square

Lakeview

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Asked Dangerous Questions in 1786–It Still Does Today
Singing Sensation José Luis Maldonado stars in Bellissima Opera's bold new production
OAK PARK, IL — Bellissima Opera presents a groundbreaking new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro on July 30 and 31, 2026, at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park.
Today, The Marriage of Figaro remains one of opera's most beloved comedies. Yet when Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte adapted Pierre Beaumarchais's explosive play in 1786, they faced a serious challenge: convincing Emperor Joseph II to approve a work that questioned inherited privilege, social hierarchy, and rights of the ruling class.
Bellissima Opera's new concept places these four historical figures alongside the action. Through dialogue, letters, and commentary woven between scenes, audiences witness the fascinating struggle between artistic expression, censorship, political power, and public opinion that nearly prevented the opera from reaching the stage, while all of Mozart's glorious music is performed by a professional cast.
Hailed by Opera News as a singer with a “seemingly unlimited baritone,” José Luis Maldonado stars in the title role of Figaro. Maldonado brings vocal beauty, seamless technique, and magnetic stage presence to one of opera's most beloved and revolutionary heroes.
Set during a single “mad day,” The Marriage of Figaro follows the servants Figaro and Susanna as they outwit their employer, Count Almaviva, expose hypocrisy, and ultimately demonstrate that intelligence, integrity, and love can triumph over status and power.
Directed by Carl Ratner and adapted by Christine Steyer, this production preserves everything audiences love about Figaro, the comedy, romance, and magnificent music. Founder and co-artistic director of Bellissima Opera Christine Steyer says, "At the same time, it allows audiences to discover the enduring questions it raises about privilege, power, and who gets to shape society."
EVENT INFORMATION
Free Lecture: A Sneak Peek at Our New Adaptation
Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Performances
Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets
$10–$60 <a href="https://bellissimaopera.com/Figaro" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">BellissimaOpera.com/Figaro</a>
Performance Information
·Opera runs approximately three hours, including intermission.
·Performed in Italian with English supertitles.
·Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Patron Information
·Mobility accessible venue
·Low-cost parking structure adjacent to the venue
·Tickets are expected to sell quickly; advance purchase is recommended
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
The production stars José Luis Maldonado as Figaro, alongside Nini Marchese&nbsp;as Susanna, Caden Cole as Count Almaviva, Christine Steyer as the Countess, Maria Molter as Cherubino, Dominique Frigo as Marcellina, Brad Schuller as Don Basilio, Karissa Burkhardt as Barbarina, Carl Ratner as Antonio, Alex Honzen as Don Bartolo, and Peter Lorenzo as Don Curzio.
The production's historical framework is brought to life by actors Peter Stigdon as Mozart, Brandon Burkhardt as Lorenzo Da Ponte, John B. Boss as Pierre Beaumarchais, and Thomas M. Shea as Emperor Joseph II. They are joined by a youth and adult ensemble.
The creative team includes Nathan Eck, pianist; Carl Ratner, director; Christine Steyer, concept creator; Nick Sandys, consultant; and Dana Brown, music consultant.
Bellissima Opera's youth and adult ensemble: Yzabella Anderson, Max Bozman, Noemi Flores, Phil Frigo, Aaron Grace, Lorena Izquierdo, Gwenna Kelley, Gabriela Lufrano, Lucas Madrigal, Noah Madrigal, Martin O'Connor, Michael O'Connor, and Christina Ray.
About Bellissima Opera
Founded in 2010, Bellissima Opera &amp; Song, an initiative of Working In Concert, uses the art of opera to empower lives and build community. Through innovative productions and collaborations with emerging and established artists, Bellissima Opera makes the art form accessible, engaging, and relevant to today's audiences.
Images
·Baritone José Luis Maldonado (Celeste Morales, photographer)
·Bellissima Figaro Graphic (courtesy of Working In Concert)

Local Event: Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Asked Dangerous Questions in 1786–Still Does Today

Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Asked Dangerous...

Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Asked Dangerous Questions in 1786–It Still Does Today
Singing Sensation José Luis Maldonado...

Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Asked Dangerous Questions in 1786–Still Does Today

Oak Park Public Library - Maze Branch

Have you ever considered serving on a local village, school or park board? The League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest is sponsoring a program to encourage area residents who are considering public service and help them navigate the path to election.
&nbsp;The next election for municipal offices is April 6, 2027, and candidates must file their nomination documents November 16-23.
 At a time when democracy and voting are under assault, citizens are needed to step up to participate in local government and bring their diverse points of view. Two speakers will discuss why people should run for office and the considerations they should weigh. They will offer a primer on the nuts and bolts of running. What are the mechanics of getting and staying on the ballot and what are the pitfalls to avoid? What is the best way to raise money and what is an effective campaign? Former elected officials will share their experiences and advice in a panel discussion afterward.
Speaker Mathias W. Delort served on the Illinois Appellate Court for more than 10 years and in the circuit court for five years. During that time he trained hundreds of judges on campaign ethics and related topics. He currently works as an arbitrator, mediator and administrative law judge and is the editor-in-chief of the leading treatise on Illinois election law.
Sheilah O’Grady-Krajniak, our second speaker, is executive director of the Citizen Advocacy Center in Elmhurst, serving DuPage County and other areas in building democracy, increasing citizen education and engagement and providing community lawyer services. Previously, she was director of criminal record relief for the Westside Justice Center. O’Grady-Krajniak also served in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for more than 15 years in a variety of positions and roles.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. With more than 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations.&nbsp;This program is free and open to the public.

Local Event: Running for Local Office: From Voter to Candidate

Running for Local Office: From Voter to Candidate


Have you ever considered serving on a local village, school or park board? The League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River...

Resurrected Life Church International at Cornerstone Church, 171 N. Cuyler, Oak Park, IL 60302

Join us for a community screening of Shoutin' Hallelujah: A Journey of Healing, a powerful documentary produced by Mattimex Productions, LLC. Through personal stories, faith, and expert insight, the film explores the impact of father absence and the possibilities of hope, healing, and restoration. A live panel discussion and audience Q&amp;A will follow the screening. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Local Event: Community Documentary Screening of "Shoutin' Hallelujah: A Journey of Healing"

Community Documentary Screening of "Shoutin'...

Join us for a community screening of Shoutin' Hallelujah: A Journey of Healing, a powerful documentary produced by Mattimex...

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Posting Activity

Forest Park Community Garden Great Garden Fest

AUG

15

9:00 AM

Forest Park Community Garden, 631 S Harlem Ave, Forest Park, IL

Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro Asked Dangerous Questions in 1786–Still Does Today

Running for Local Office: From Voter to Candidate

Community Documentary Screening of "Shoutin' Hallelujah: A Journey of Healing"