“;The Marriage of Figaro”; is probably a sexier title than “;The Barber of Seville 2: Electric Boogaloo,”; just not as accurate. For Mozart's opera buffa masterpiece is a thematic continuation of the earlier work and can be enjoyed on similar, laid-back terms.

In other words, another day in a crazy kingdom, set to heavenly music.

Even Figaro himself, explained Leon Williams, the guy playing the title role in the new Hawaii Opera Theatre production, isn't exactly center stage. Figaro figures in both operas, a charming cad, along with plenty of brio from other characters.

Although most of the guest artists singing in HOT's productions are jetting in, Williams could take TheBus. Born and Juilliard-educated in New York, Williams has been a Kailua resident since 2003.

“;Why not?”; Williams mused. “;You can travel anywhere in the world from here, so it was an easy choice. Your heart knows when a place feels like home, and there is a wonderful Presbyterian church here.

“;And besides, New York has gotten a little crazy!”;

Williams, who was first introduced to the islands as a HOT guest artist, called the Hawaii company “;really unique, with its own special magic.”;

Traveling in and out of Hawaii on singing gigs doesn't faze him, Williams explained.

“;Most of my work is symphonic, not with the heavy schedules most operas singers have. I'll be gone a week or 10 days, but many opera singers sign on for 28 days or more in the bigger cities.”;

The HOT orchestra is, of course, primarily made up of Honolulu Symphony Orchestra musicians, currently in limbo while HSO paddles its way through the swamp of bankruptcy.

“;The production values here are very good, but the orchestra is simply one of the best,”; said Williams. “;From the perspective of someone working with them musically, they are very professional indeed. Their level of playing is excellent.

“;I have to possibly dispute the reasons for bankruptcy, although I don't know all the details. There are a lot of symphonies that are healthy in cities that are not as on the map as Honolulu. (The bankruptcy) is a mystery to me.

“;Somehow, the Honolulu Symphony was just not as lucky. I'm sure we've only heard half the story.”;

MUSICALLY, Williams leans toward “;patriotic and spiritual songs, songs highlighting humanity.”;

“;I'm not a big fan of elevated characters and supernatural heroes,”; he said. “;That's why I like Figaro. He's a regular guy, a rascal, really. Figaro is fun! Although I think the opera is more about Mozart than about Figaro. I'll have to put a little Leon into the role and make it my own!”;

Williams added the music helps define a character, as well as the libretto and text.

“;Everything you need to know—everything you should know—is in there,”; he said.

He might have needed a libretto for his own life. Williams didn't have a clear idea of a singing career until he has well into a performing-arts school in New York City.

“;My dad was a steelworker, my mom a music teacher, and we loved singing and I was in the Boys Choir of Harlem. But singing as a career?

“;Even today I think about options. I love the hospitality business. I'm working toward a master's degree in the restaurant and hotel industries. I love hosting, the whole business of hospitality. If I had a secondary career, that's what I'd do.”;

Not that Williams has much time. When he gets a role, he “;makes a whole project out of learning everything about that opera,”; and in his spare hours you can “;find me sitting in the front row of whatever show is in town. Opera and classical music open a whole new world of great work that you can't get enough of.

“;To perform in an opera, you treat it like a world-record sport. You have to limber up and do a little prep!”;