Bellissima Opera

08/16/2026

Cool Works In Progress: A Sneak Peek–Hosted by Christine Steyer, Monday, September 14, 7-8:30pm CT, ZOOM only

Grab your favorite beverage and join us for eight creative sneak peeks! Visual artists and musicians will share short presentations about exciting projects in the works from 7–8 PM, followed by a Q&A with the presenters.

From decorative playing cards to pop-up books… from 18th-century humor to the life of America’s most famous poetess… from a Russian bad boy to the cost of silence in the face of repression… from a look at America's dark past to a new album release—there’s something for everyone!

Come see what these artists are dreaming up before anyone else does!

MUSICAL PROJECTS
Carmen Bell, Anne Burnell, Jeffery Lyle Segal, Don Skoog, Christine Steyer
VISUAL PROJECTS
Lydia Ahn, Amber Black, Cheri Wolf

TIX https://workinginconcert.org/events/cool/
$5 Regular Admission $15 Support-the-Artist Admission

08/02/2026

Marriage of Figaro lives on! Thank you to the extraordinary cast, musicians, staff, volunteers, and families who made Bellissima Opera's production of Marriage of Figaro such an unforgettable success.

This production represented hundreds of hours of donated time, talent, creativity, and dedication. Every rehearsal, costume fitting, set piece, prop, lighting cue, and musical phrase reflected the passion of people who gave so generously of themselves simply because they believe in the power of live opera.

The response from our audiences was deeply rewarding. The comment we heard most often was, "We only wish there had been more performances!" Audiences praised not only the exceptional vocal performances, but also the engaging acting, beautiful costumes, and our fresh theatrical concept that invited audiences to experience Mozart's masterpiece in a new way.

Many shared that they had never fully appreciated Mozart's extraordinary genius as a composer—how seamlessly he wove together comedy, humanity, and profound emotion into one of the greatest operas ever written. Others remarked that the opera's themes of power, privilege, justice, and forgiveness remain every bit as relevant today as they were over two centuries ago.

We are especially grateful to everyone who joined us in the audience and supports live opera in our community. Your enthusiasm, laughter, and standing ovations reminded us why we do this.

Bravo to everyone who helped bring our Figaro to life. Productions like this are possible only because of remarkable people. Your generosity made this production far greater than the sum of its parts. It was a privilege to share this journey with you, and we can't wait to welcome you back for Bellissima Opera's next adventure.

For those who missed it, Figaro will be available to watch online once it is edited. Stay tuned!

PHOTO (L to R)
back row: Phil Frigo, Dominique Frigo, Alex Honzen, John B Boss, Aaron Grace,
Brandon Burkhardt, Nathan Eck, Peter Stigdon, Carl Ratner, Thomas M Shea, Karissa Burkhardt, Maria Molter, Brad Schuller

middle row:
Caden Cole, Christine Steyer, Nini Marchese, José Luis Maldonado, Peter Lorenzo, Christina Ray

front row: Noah, Marty, Michael, Lucas, Max, Yzabella, Gigi, Gwenna, Noemi, Lorena

Not pictured: Claudia Hommel, Kerri Burkhardt, Brian Burkhardt, Giau Truong, and Em Clausing

🎭 Bravo to our entire Bellissima Opera & Working In Concert family!

Christine Steyer, Carl Ratner, and Kerri Burkhardt

07/30/2026

OPENING NIGHT Marriage of Figaro–Unwrapped and Revealed opens tonight for a two day run (July 30-31, 7pm, Oak Park). All-Star cast, Unique concept, Timeless comedy. Tickets still available online or at the door.

José Luis Maldonado, Nini Marchese, Caden Cole, Christine Steyer, Maria Molter, Dominique Frigo, Brad Schuller, Alex Honzen, Karissa Burkhardt, Carl Ratner, Peter Lorenzo, Christina Ray, Aaron Grace, Phil Frigo, Peter Stigdon, Brandon Burkhardt, John B. Boss, Thomas M. Shea & Nathan Eck

Thurs, July 30 & Fri, 31, 2026, 7pm, Nineteenth Century, 178 Foerst Ave, Oak Park

07/29/2026

Nick Sandys demonstrates the perfect stage slap to Nini Marchese as Susanna and José Luis Maldonado as Figaro in our Marriage of Figaro production. Performances July 30 and July 31 in Oak Park.

BOLD and TIMELY Marriage of Figaro examines its complex journey navigation censorship from Play to Opera. TIX https//bellissimaopera.com/figaro/

ADULT SINGERS, ACTORS & MUSICIANS
José Luis Maldonado, Nini Marchese, Caden Cole, Christine Steyer, Maria Molter, Dominique Frigo, Brad Schuller, Alex Honzen, Karissa Burkhardt, Carl Ratner, Peter Lorenzo, Christina Ray, Aaron Grace, Phil Frigo, Peter Stigdon, Brandon Burkhardt, John B. Boss, Thomas M. Shea & Nathan Eck

Thurs, July 30 & Fri, 31, 2026, 7pm, Nineteenth Century, 178 Foerst Ave, Oak Park

07/29/2026

Christine Steyer singing the role of the Countess at last night's dress rehearsal for Marriage of Figaro. Shows: Thursday, July 30 – Friday, July 31, Oak Park.

Info: https//bellissimaopera.com/figaro/

ADULT SINGERS, ACTORS & MUSICIANS
José Luis Maldonado, Nini Marchese, Caden Cole, Christine Steyer, Maria Molter, Dominique Frigo, Brad Schuller, Alex Honzen, Karissa Burkhardt, Carl Ratner, Peter Lorenzo, Christina Ray, Aaron Grace, Phil Frigo, Peter Stigdon, Brandon Burkhardt, John B. Boss, Thomas M. Shea & Nathan Eck

Thurs, July 30 & Fri, 31, 2026, 7pm, Nineteenth Century, 178 Foerst Ave, Oak Park

07/28/2026

John Boss as Beaumarchais, French revolutionary playwright, in our unique Marriage of Figaro production. Tom Shea as Emperor; Peter Stigdon as Mozart; Brandon Burkhardt as Da Ponte. Nick Sandys, assisting our actors. Concept by Christine Steyer, directed by Carl Ratner, José Luis Maldonado as Figaro.

Thurs, July 30 & Fri, 31, 2026, 7pm, Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization Ballroom, Oak Park TIX/Info: https//bellissimaopera.com/figaro/

Bellissima Opera's fresh adaptation of Mozart's beloved comedy features newly created dialogue inspired by Mozart, Da Ponte, Beaumarchais, and Emperor Joseph II while preserving Mozart's magnificent score.

07/28/2026

José Luis Maldonado as Figaro directing the chorus of peasants to flatter the naughty Count so his wedding can be permitted. Marriage of Figaro like you’ve never seen examining its complex journey through censorship from Play to Opera. Concept by Christine Steyer, directed by Carl Ratner.

ADULT SINGERS, ACTORS & MUSICIANS
José Luis Maldonado, Nini Marchese, Caden Cole, Christine Steyer, Maria Molter, Dominique Frigo, Brad Schuller, Alex Honzen, Karissa Burkhardt, Carl Ratner, Peter Lorenzo, Christina Ray, Aaron Grace, Phil Frigo, Peter Stigdon, Brandon Burkhardt, John B. Boss, Thomas M. Shea & Nathan Eck

Thurs, July 30 & Fri, 31, 2026, 7pm, Nineteenth Century, 178 Foerst Ave, Oak Park TIX/Info: https//bellissimaopera.com/figaro/

07/26/2026

Fabulous José Luis Maldonado as Figaro and Nini Marchese as Susanna. Hope you can join us for this Thursday and Fridays' Bold and Unique Marriage of Figaro production in Oak Park.

TIX/Info: https//bellissimaopera.com/figaro/

Join us for a Marriage of Figaro like you’ve never seen with an outstanding cast, period costumes, and a beautiful set–performed in the beautiful historic Nineteenth Century Ballroom.
Concept by Christine Steyer, directed by Carl Ratner.

ADULT SINGERS, ACTORS & MUSICIANS
José Luis Maldonado, Nini Marchese, Caden Cole, Christine Steyer, Maria Molter, Dominique Frigo, Brad Schuller, Alex Honzen, Karissa Burkhardt, Carl Ratner, Peter Lorenzo, Christina Ray, Aaron Grace, Phil Frigo, Peter Stigdon, Brandon Burkhardt, John B. Boss, Thomas M. Shea & Nathan Eck

Thurs, July 30 & Fri, 31, 2026, 7pm, Nineteenth Century, 178 Foerst Ave, Oak Park TIX/Info: https//bellissimaopera.com/figaro/

07/25/2026

Our show advertised on WFMT!!! Stay tuned throughout the week. Our Marriage of Figaro is just the ticket, coming to you in Oak Park July 30-31. It just so happens that WFMT radio's 98.7 FM Saturday Opera on Saturday, July 25 at noon features the Mozart's opera performed byGlyndebourne Opera in Scotland. But you don't have to travel so far to see it live and to get the scoop on how this masterpiece came to be! Get your tickets now at https://bellissimaopera.com/figaro

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MdvsyYW5x/

Our Marriage of Figaro is just the ticket, coming to you at the 19th Century Charitable Association in Oak Park on July 30-31. It just so happens that WFMT radio's 98.7 FM Saturday Opera on Saturday, July 25 at noon features the Mozart's opera performed by the Glyndebourne Opera in Scotland. But you don't have to travel so far to see it live and to get the scoop on how this masterpiece came to be! Get your tickets now at https://bellissimaopera.com/figaro

07/23/2026

BOLD and TIMELY Marriage of Figaro examines its complex journey navigation censorship from Play to Opera with Peter Stigdon as Mozart; John Boss as Beaumarchais; Tom Shea as Emperor Joseph; Brandon Burkhardt as Da Ponte; Nick Sandys, assisting our actors. Concept by Christine Steyer, directed by Carl Ratner, José Luis Maldonado as Figaro leads an outstanding cast!

Thurs, July 30 & Fri, 31, 2026, 7pm, Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization Ballroom, Oak Park TIX/Info: https//bellissimaopera.com/figaro/