At a luxurious Italian resort, two devoted and adoring couples embark on a holiday to remember, one that will change their lives forever.
Cynical bachelor Don Alfonso places a bet with friends Guglielmo and Ferrando that their girlfriends, sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella, will not remain faithful in the face of temptation. As the young me don disguises and set out to win the bet by seducing the other’s partner, they, and their girlfriends, find their understanding love and commitment put to the ultimate test.
…And that sets the tone for a night of witty romance and sublime music with the State Opera of South Australia latest offering, Cosi Fan Tutte, at Adelaide’s iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre.
The State Opera of South Australia’s recent production of Cosi Fan Tutte at Her Majesty’s Theatre was a magical blend of humour, elegance, and, importantly, musical excellence. Directed by the renowned Patrick Nolan, this performance brings new life to Mozart’s classic opera, making it a memorable night out for both seasoned opera lovers and newbies.
To greet us, the stage is set as a picture of beauty and romance, at a seaside hotel referencing an Italian Neoclassical villa with the most gob-smackingly stunning trompe l’oeil covering every inch of wall. The set design (by Elizabeth Gadsby), with its rich detailing and lush colours, perfectly captured the opulence of the story, transporting the audience to a world where love, deception, and wit intertwine.
The second act presents us the same set but 5 minutes in it whisks away before our very eyes and we are left in only a few minutes with a bare stage surrounding a stunning concrete and ornate water-filled fountain. This transition alone deserves accolades.
Congratulations also to Lighting Designer Bernie Tan-Hayes on a simple but highly effective role and in lighting the proceedings of this excellent set and cast.
A Stellar Cast Brings Mozart’s Characters to Life
BUT, The true heart of any opera lies in its cast, and this production certainly doe not disappoint. The six principal singers delivered performances that were both vocally stunning and richly characteriszed.
Sky Ingram as Fiordiligi was a standout, her soprano voice soaring effortlessly through Mozart’s demanding arias. Her portrayal of a woman torn between love and loyalty was both moving and convincing. Anna Dowsley as Dorabella provided the perfect contrast, with a playful, mischievous edge that added humor and lightness to the proceedings. These leading ladies are WORLD CLASS!
On the male side, Adrian Strooper (for our performance) as Ferrando and Nicholas Lester as Guglielmo brought charm and energy to their roles. Their comedic timing was impeccable, particularly in the scenes where they disguise themselves and attempt to woo each other’s lovers. The chemistry between the four leads was electric, making their interactions both entertaining and believable AND thoroughly engaging.
Special mention must be made of Christopher Hillier as Don Alfonso and Jessica Dean as Despina. Hillier’s portrayal of the cynical philosopher who orchestrates the plot was masterful, while Dean’s Despina stole many scenes with her vivacious energy and impeccable comic timing.
Musical Brilliance Under the Baton of Dane Lam
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Dane Lam, provided the perfect accompaniment to the singers. Lam’s interpretation of Mozart’s score was both lively and nuanced, capturing the delicate balance of lightness and depth that makes Cosi Fan Tutte such a beloved opera. The orchestra’s performance was tight and cohesive, allowing the beauty of Mozart’s music to shine through without ever overpowering the singers. Dane is a king of his art.
A Production That Balances Humor and Heart
What sets this production apart was its ability to balance the opera’s comedic elements with its more serious undertones. While Cosi Fan Tutte is often regarded as a light-hearted comedy, this performance did not shy away from exploring the deeper themes of love, fidelity, and the complexities of human relationships. The result was a production that was both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining.
Final Thoughts
The State Opera of South Australia’s Cosi Fan Tutte at Her Majesty’s Theatre was a triumph. With its outstanding cast, beautiful staging, and superb orchestral performance, it offered a fresh and engaging take on a classic opera. State Opera of SA, can you do no wrong?
Whether you’re a die-hard opera fan or simply looking for an enjoyable night out, this production is one not to be missed. Get along and experience some very rich and rewarding culture.
FIVE, VERY WELL DESERVED, STARS!
Cosi Fan Tutte runs until 7 September 2024 at Her Majesty’s Theatre
Click here for tickets!
All images: Andrew Beveridge – https://www.facebook.com/asbcreative
