Figaro, Figaro, Figaro.

So goes a line from an opera so well known, even Bugs Bunny sings it.

The Barber of Seville, an opera buffa in two acts by Gioachino Rossini, based on Beaumarchais’ comedy play, will be presented at the newly-remodeled Reynolds Performing Arts Center on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman this month.

Performing the role of Basilio is Jamie Killion, OU doctoral student and minister of music at Chickasha’s First Baptist Church.

“It’s my first opera and I’m pretty excited, I haven’t been on stage for a while,” said Killion. “This is a fantastic opera that features music that nearly everyone should recognize and the OU Symphonic Orchestra and the opera cast are really amazing. I am excited about being a part of it.”

Killion explained that an opera is basically a play presented through singing. Whereas a musical contains singing as well as spoken dialog, most operas have no spoken dialog and the type of singing is more serious than that in a musical.

“Some people complain that opera is usually done in a foreign language and they don’t understand what’s going on,” said Killion.

However, with the help of “super titles,” which are much like the English sub-titles used at the bottom of foreign films, opera is easier to understand.

According to Opera Director Bill Ferrara, students audition for the opera and then are given roles that suit their voices.

“Jamie has a magnificient operatic baritone, and he’s perfect for the role of Basilio,” Ferrara said of Killion. “He plays a very comic character who is fun to watch.”

“My character is a really slimy character and is sometimes gross to watch,” said Killion. “It’s a great show and there’s not a weak link in it. It’s obvious what’s going on so it’s a great first opera that’s funny and light-hearted.”

Ferrara encourages everyone to come out and support Killion in his first operatic role.

“It is very funny and entertaining and great for first-time opera goers,” he said. “You will recognize a lot of the tunes.”

The Barber of Seville runs March 6-7-8 with shows at 8 p.m. each evening, and a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, at the Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval, Norman.

General admission tickets are $15, student admission is $10, and senior adult admission is $12. For tickets, call the OU Fine Arts Box Office at 405-325-4101.