Figaro Is Farce With Finesse

Constellation Theater knows how to put on a farce.

The tone the cast and crew have managed to set for the company's production of the Marriage of Figaro hits the right balance of knowing winks, exaggerated mugging and asides to the audience. It's this synchronicity that is at the heart of what's most impressive about this particular production.

Those unfamiliar with the work (or the more famous opera of the same name) won't have too much trouble catching onto the shenanigans — Figaro's trying to get married, but forces are conspiring against his union, among them a lecherous count and a scheming spinster. The players run, leap and sneak through a simple but elegant set done in warm reds and silhouette shapes.

Leading the hijinks is Joe Brack as a particularly mischievous Figaro; Brack's performance sets the standard for the rest of the cast. He's well matched by Katy Carkuff as Suzanne, his plucky fiance. Only Lee Liebskind seems off-note in this able ensemble, his drunken slurring forced.

The issue with Figaro is that extended farce can get a little tiresome to watch. There's only so much sing-song tone one can take before it all starts to feel a little repetitive. Particularly as Act Two winds down, as the mechanics of the plot become more and more clear — it can be a little hard not to get antsy for it all to wrap up quickly.

The Marriage of Figaro runs through Feb. 22 at Source Theater. Tickets are available online.