(Will Liverman. Photo by Jaclyn Simpson.)
By Jim Roberts
Few characters in opera are as widely recognized as Figaro.
From cartoons to commercials, the rapid-fire “Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!” from “The Barber of Seville” has become one of the most recognizable moments in classical music. Now, Virginia Beach native Will Liverman is reimagining that iconic character—and the world around him—in a new work coming to Norfolk.
Liverman, an internationally acclaimed baritone, is co-creator of “Factotum,” a genre-blending piece inspired by Rossini’s classic but reshaped through a contemporary lens. Set inside a Black barbershop and infused with gospel and funk, the work reimagines Figaro’s world for a new generation.
The title “Factotum” refers to a “jack of all trades,” a role traditionally associated with Figaro. In Liverman’s version, that idea takes shape in a neighborhood barbershop.
“It’s more than just a haircut,” he said. “It’s community. You talk about life. It’s like going to a therapist.”
For Liverman, the project is both artistic and deeply personal—a return to where his musical journey began.
“Everything that I’ve done with my music career, it all started there,” he said.
Born in Norfolk and raised in Virginia Beach, Liverman grew up immersed in music, from piano lessons to church choir, with his mother, a gospel singer, shaping his early musical identity.
“That was the foundation for me,” he said.
Though he initially focused on piano, a suggestion from his teacher led him to audition for The Governor’s School for the Arts, where he chose to study voice.
“Little did I know … it really was an opera program,” he said.
His appreciation for opera developed through school trips, including visits to the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where he would later perform.
“What really intrigued me,” he said, “these singers, they’re not using any microphones, and their voices are hitting me … but I’m so far away.”
After studying at Wheaton College and Juilliard, Liverman trained in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s young artist program before launching a career that has taken him to major stages worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera.
“It felt like a full-circle moment,” he said.
He later began exploring composing.
Drawing on his gospel background and early piano experimentation, Liverman developed his writing during the pandemic.
“Factotum” grew out of that period and his collaboration with fellow The Governor’s School alumnus DY King Rico.
“The rule is: You say yes and then figure it out later,” Liverman said.
“What if we put it … in a Black barbershop?” he added. “And updated the story … with things that we grew up with?”
The production has undergone multiple iterations, including critically acclaimed performances in Chicago. The latest version is set in Hampton Roads.
“We can reference things we know,” Liverman said. “The lingo, the culture.”
After hearing the students cast in The Governor’s School production, Liverman also reshaped the work to suit their voices.
Working with those students has been especially meaningful.
“To meet with the current Governor’s School kids … and for them to see folks from where they came from on that stage … it felt like another full-circle moment,” he said.
Blending classical technique with contemporary sounds, the work resists easy categorization.
“I think it lives in its own lane,” Liverman said. “It leans more toward a contemporary musical with operatic elements.”
Looking ahead, Liverman sees bigger possibilities for the piece.
“That’s the Hail Mary throw,” he said. “This version gives us the best chance to really cross over.”
“I’m really excited about it,” Liverman said. “We want to encourage as many local folks to come out and see it.”
The Governor’s School for the Arts will present “Factotum: The Groom & Glow Lounge” at 7 p.m. May 1 and 2 at the Wells Theatre in Norfolk. General admission tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, visit gsarts.org.