In 5 Things, we break down the essential ideas behind great operas—five quick insights that unlock the story, the music, and why it still matters today.

In this episode, we explore The Marriage of Figaro, the sparkling masterpiece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte. Set during a single chaotic day, servants outwit their master, lovers test each other’s loyalty, and disguises, secrets, and mistaken identities collide in one of opera’s greatest comedies.

From the opera’s daring social satire to its breathtaking ensembles, production director Stephen Lawless will reveal the five things that make Figaro one of the most beloved works ever written—and why its wit, humanity, and revolutionary spirit still resonate today. Whether you’re new to opera or a longtime fan, these five insights will help you hear—and see—Figaro in a whole new way.

The Marriage of Figaro
March 14, 17, 20, 22, 2026
The Atlanta Opera