Fans rave about comedic opera

The show didn’t start for an hour, but at 7 p.m. Friday, patrons were already arriving in their opera attire for the opening of W.A. Mozart’s “Cosí fan tutte” at the Musical Arts Center.

Of the 968 in attendance, there was a wide variety of guests, from freshmen visiting an opera for the first time to patrons visiting from across the globe to experience director Tomer Zvulun’s unique adaptation of Mozart’s famous comedic opera about a test of fidelity between two engaged couples.

Freshman Mary Iannone attended the opera for a project for her Italian class.
“I’ve never been to an opera before and don’t really know what to expect, but I’m excited,” she said.

At 8 p.m., the lights dimmed, and the spotlight went to conductor Arthur Fagan’s orchestra pit for the first few minutes of the production.

Then the purple curtain lifted for the beginning of the first act. The audience watched in awe of the solos, giggled at the many funny moments and clapped when each movement came to an end.

Zachary Coates, who played the part of Guglielmo, said he was impressed with the opening.

“The audience was certainly a big contributor to the energy on stage,” Coates said. “They were with us for every joke and clearly enjoyed themselves. All in all, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had on a stage.”

Characters who evoked the most reaction from the crowd were the undercover roles of the cynic, Don Alfonso, and the maid, Despina. The crowd laughed louder each time Despina walked on stage in another disguise to trick the women to fall for the other’s fiancé.

Coates said the performers enjoyed it as much as the audience.

“Several times, when we walked offstage, one of my colleagues would turn to me and say, ‘Wow, this is so much fun!’” he said. “We couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling performance.”

Audience member Mila Symonenko said she has been to approximately 20 operas in places like Prague, Germany and Chicago, and she said she was impressed with the
production.

“Their vocals and their interactions are very good for students,” Symonenko said.
After more than three hours of performing, the curtain came to a close. The cast received many standing ovations and “Bravas!”

Junior and Italian major Nathan O’Connor said he has seen several operas, and now “Cosí fan tutte” ranks high on his list.

“This was by far the best comedic opera I have ever seen, and their Italian diction was very good,” O’Connor said. “Overall, incredible.”