VIDEO: Opera Philadelphia: The Barber of Seville - 6abc Loves the Arts

Monday, Sept. 15, 2014 (WPVI) -- Opera Philadelphia opens its 40th anniversary season with a comedic tale of love and mistaken identities. Spoofed by the likes of Bugs Bunny and Homer Simpson, The Barber of Seville is one of the most widespread and beloved operas of its time.

Stage Director Michael Shell says they chose the opera for the company's 40th season due its mass appeal and grandeur.

"It's grounded in truth, reality, these two people love each other, but the way that they get together follows this absurd path."

Shell says even if you're completely unfamiliar with the opera "you're going to be able to get something from it and follow it and understand everything you see."

Shell created a set designed to bring the stage to life and highlight the voices of the cast.

"One of the things that we really wanted to do with this production was give it more of a Spanish flair, a vibrancy that it could really benefit from having."

The production also includes Opera on the Mall and allows guests to watch a free presentation on a giant HD screen at Independence Hall.

"For an audience member who's never come, know that it's definitely going to be a fun ride, it's going to be very visually interesting to look at," says Shell, "The singers are fantastic and the visuals that you will see as well as the comedy that takes place on stage, I think make for a wonderful, wonderful evening."

The Barber of Seville runs September 26th through October 5th. For tickets and show times go to TheArtsinPhilly.org.