The Hillman Memorial Music Association production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s brilliant 1790 opera “Cosi Fan Tutte” will open at the State University of New York at Fredonia on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. in Marvel Theatre at Rockefeller Arts Center.
This slyly comedic tale of two young women and the lengths to which their suitors go to test their fidelity can also be seen on Friday, Nov. 11 and
Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.
Tickets to “Cosi Fan Tutte” can be purchased at the Central Ticket Office, located in the Williams Center at the heart of the SUNY Fredonia campus, or by calling 716-673-3501. Tickets will also be available at the Marvel Theatre Box Office prior to performances.
“Cosi Fan Tutte” – which translates roughly from Italian to mean “They’re All Like That” – revolves around a wager between cynical Don Alphonso (who will be played by SUNY Fredonia students David L’Hommedieu and Bradley Carson in alternating productions of the opera) and a pair of young men, Ferrando (Steven Hoagland and Eric Perry) and Guglielmo (Joseph Flaxman and
Geordie Alexander). Don Alphonso bets that their fiancés – sisters Dorabella (Victoria Vargas and Katherine Thompson) and Fiordiligi (Johanna
Moffitt and Lori Johnson) – would be unfaithful if given the opportunity.
The two men agree to the bet, and, with Don Alphonso, invent an elaborate story involving a phony war for their lovers in order to explain their need to leave town.
Ferrando and Guglielmo return in disguise, and promptly court each other’s girlfriend. Following a series of romantic misadventures – including the
masqueraders’ “death” by poison and miraculous recoveries – the women find
themselves tempted to stray from their original assertions of true love.
Dorabella and Fiordiligi are overwhelmed by the constant wooing, accept proposals of marriage and soon end up at the altar with their new partners. Of course, Ferrando and Guglielmo pick that moment to “return” from their
counterfeit war, and the opera ends with accusations, apologies and eventual
reconciliation between the confused couples.
The SUNY Fredonia version of “Cosi Fan Tutte” is coordinated by longtime Hillman Opera producer Julie Newell and university newcomer Dr. Won Cho. Dr. David Rudge is musical coordinator and will conduct the College Symphony
in each of the four performances. Paul Mockovak is the stage director, and Anne Kissel Harper has served as vocal coach and accompanist.
“Cosi Fan Tutte” would, in many cases, be considered too challenging for college students to undertake. Ms. Newell, impressed by the talent among the current crop of SUNY Fredonia students, decided to bring the Mozart gem
to the Marvel Theatre stage.
“The students have been phenomenal,” Ms. Newell said. “This is very difficult music. Besides the actual complexity of the arias, the opera
requires very demanding attention to technique, but the group has been up to the task. Anne Kissel Harper has done a great job with them, and we are all looking forward to the finished product.”
A delightfully clever and subtly humorous work that includes some of the greatest music of the legendary W.A. Mozart, “Cosi Fan Tutte” should be well-received by music lovers and theatre novices alike.
“To be able to see a live performance of one of the greatest musical artworks of all time is a real pleasure,” Ms. Newell said. “This production
is perfect for anyone who enjoys opera or for those who are curious to see a live opera for the first time. We really think this is going to be a great time for everyone.”
