Synopsis
Grammy-nominated baritone Will Liverman, a Ryan Opera Center alumnus,
is rapidly rising to national prominence and recently triumphed at the
Metropolitan Opera. Now he joins dynamic
producer/DJ/multi-instrumentalist King Rico in creating a new work
inspired by Rossini's The Barber of Seville that has grown into
a joyful, original piece all its own, commissioned by Lyric. Updating
the action to a Black barbershop on Chicago's South Side, this gifted
duo has created an irresistibly upbeat work that celebrates the strength
of community. The Factotum blends diverse musical styles with
boundless imagination to create a soul opera, moving from gospel and
funk to rap, hip-hop, classic barbershop quartet, and R&B. Those
styles connect brilliantly with classical singing in a very human comedy
that redefines everything that opera can be.