“Tall and sturdy with a bass-baritone that rattled the opera house rafters, Plachetka could have simply overwhelmed everyone else on stage. But in addition to his strong, flexible voice, he is a gifted actor. His Figaro was a good-natured busybody but also savvy, light on his feet, capable of making himself disappear in plain sight when necessary. This was a vivid portrait of a consummate fixer, a small-town big fish who prides himself on always delivering the goods.”
Wynne Delacoma, Chicago Sun-Times, 29 September 2019
“Bass-baritone Adam Plachetka made a delightful Figaro, oozing charm and vocal generosity. His fast-paced “Largo al factotum” was a model of flexibility and power, and his character was filled with infectious good humor. He was outstanding in his mastery of physical comedy, and his presence was commanding and riveting throughout.”
Henson Keys, Parterre box, 30 September 2019
“Mr. Plachetka’s Figaro is athletic, both in physical movement and vocal projection. In his solo aria, ”Largo al factotum,” Plachetka negotiates leaps and hurdles on the stage while at once soaring to top pitches with equivalent ease. His breath control yielded a final, sustained pitch of remarkable evenness.”
Salvatore Calomino, Opera Today, 09 October 2019
“Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka had no such problem in the title role. His rafter-rattling voice, though not particularly Italianate, navigated Rossini’s scales and comedy with incredible precision, and his swagger on stage made him the absolute center of attention throughout the performance. Whether he was (failing to) hide behind a small tree or commanding the stage during a very agile “Largo al factotum,” Plachetka was a treasure on the stage throughout the opera.”
Caleb Sussman, The Chicago Maroon, 13 October 2019
“The role of Figaro is brilliantly presented by accomplished Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka. An outstanding singer and actor, Plachetka finds the best way to demonstrate Figaro’s energetic and merry personality. His flexible strong voice, excellent vocal articulation, sense of humor, mimics and body language make him a perfect fit for this role. Being a priceless comedian, Plachetka is funny and charming every time he appears on stage, starting with Figaro’s famous aria “Largo al factotum,” which gives the audience members both goosebumps and the feeling of joy. Plachetka has already played Mozart’s Figaro at Lyric, and now Rossini’s version gives him even more opportunities to show his comic talent.”
Natalia Dagenhart, Daily Herald, 17 October 2019