On April 23 at 7:30 p.m., Arizona Opera will present a free outdoor screening of the comedy “The Barber of Seville” at Steele Indian School Park Amphitheater in Phoenix.

As part of Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot’s “Moonlight Movies in the Park” series, Arizona Opera will show Gioachino Rossini’s masterpiece. This family-friendly opera was filmed live on March 23, 2010, at Phoenix Symphony Hall and follows the adventures of Figaro, a wisecracking barber, as he navigates the bumpy — and oft hilarious — roads of courtship and love.

Despite having made its debut nearly 200 years ago, “The Barber of Seville” has remained an audience favorite around the world, and many opera-goers might even remember cartoon character Bugs Bunny singing the famous number “Largo al factotum” in the clever “The Rabbit of Seville and Long Haired Hare.”

Arizona Opera’s rendition of the famous opera keeps the spirit of the unforgettable melodies and characters alive for today’s audiences, and as the final opera performed in Arizona Opera’s 2009-2010 season, “The Barber of Seville” was hailed by the Arizona Republic as “one of the best ‘Barbers’ ever” and “an out-of-the-park homerun” by the Tucson Daily Star.

Families, couples, friends and opera enthusiasts are invited to head to Steele Indian School Park with blankets and even picnic baskets to enjoy the opera in unique and fun setting. Those who arrive early will be rewarded with the best seats plus live musical performances and other kid-friendly activities.

The screening is presented also in partnership with Cox Communications and KBAQ, 98.5 FM.

Steele Indian School Park is located at 300 E. Indian School Road and Third Street in Phoenix. (The Park is also easily accessible by METRO Light Rail, and free on-site parking is available.)

Arizona Opera

Like Haute Living Phoenix? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingAZ. Want Haute Living Phoenix delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.