Nov 2, 2024
Mia Mandineau, left, and Ashley Zielezinski have the lead roles of sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella, respectively, in the Hillman Opera production of Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte,” which opens Nov. 14 in Marvel Theatre at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
The Hillman Opera at the State University of New York at Fredonia presents Mozart’s razor-sharp comedy “Cosi fan tutte” with three performances in the Robert W. Marvel Theatre this November.
Hillman Opera Producer Donald I. Marrazzo, assistant professor of Voice and director of Opera Studies, describes “Cosi fan tutte” as an “enchanting production” by director Paul Mockovak, dis-tinguished teaching professor with the Department of Theatre and Dance.
He also cited the lavish sets by Hyla Stellhorn and stunning Rococo costumes by Jessica Lustig as highlights. Both are Theatre and Dance faculty members.
“Emily Schaad (director of Orchestral Activities) conducts a fantastic cast, chorus and orchestra comprised entirely of Fredonia School of Music students,” Marrazzo said. “Cosi fan tutte’ features an endless parade of exquisite arias and ensembles.”
Performance dates and times are Thursday, Nov. 14 and Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 17. There is no Saturday performance.
Set in the Bay of Naples in the 18th century, “Cosi fan tutte” is a bittersweet meditation on women’s faithfulness against a backdrop of disguises, false goodbyes, and deceptions. Convinced of women’s infidelity, the cynical Don Alfonso provokes his friends Ferrando and Guglielmo by questioning the loyalty of their fiancees, sisters Dorabella and Fiordiligi.
To prove his assertion, Don Alfonso proposes the following plan: that they tell their fiancées they are leaving for war, and then return disguised as soldiers, ready to do anything to seduce the lonely fiancées.
With their “real” lovers gone, Fiordiligi and Dorabella appear outraged when their servant Despina (Don Alfonso’s accomplice) introduces into their home the two soldiers, who quickly prove to be very persuasive.
The two sisters at first reject them virtuously but soon allow themselves to be seduced by these new suitors who, under a false identity, gradually become disillusioned as they see their fiancees betraying them. “They all do that!” (“Cosi fan tutte”), Don Alfonso states, thrilled to have proved his theory. The terrorized sisters are horrified by the deception and the two men initially find it dif-ficult to forgive, however, Don Alfonso suggests a solution that will leave the audience delight-fully surprised!
The principal cast includes Mia Mandineau (Class of 2025, Master’s Degree in Vocal Perfor-mance) as Fiordiligi, Ashley Zielezinski (Class of 2025, Music Education) as Dorabella, Andrew George (Class of 2026, Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance) as Ferrando, Dominic Townsend (Class of 2026, Music Education and Vocal Performance) as Guglielmo, Mia Sorgi (Class of 2026, Music Education and Vocal Performance) as Despina and Patrick Connolly (Class of 2026, Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance) as Don Alfonso.
“My hope is that our audiences – new and seasoned audience members alike – will fall in love with the genius, beauty, and wit of Mozart’s music,” Marrazzo said.
The producer noted Mozart was a musical prodigy from the age of six and is considered by many to be the greatest musician of all time.
“‘Cosi fan tutte’ is one of his greatest operas,” Marrazzo said. “This beautiful, brand-new produc-tion will be a feast for the eyes and ears and will be wonderful opportunity for audience members to discover the incredible talent we have here at Fredonia.”
Tickets are available online 24/7 at https://www.fredonia.edu/tickets. Tickets may also be pur-chased on Monday, Wednesday or Friday by phone between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 716-673-3501 or in person at the Campus Ticket Office in the Williams Center during the same hours.
“Così fan tutte” is sponsored by Gugino and Ryel Financial as part of the 2024-25 Lake Shore Savings Season. Additional support is provided by the Hillman Opera Patrons, the Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center, The E. Louise Hoag Fund and the Oliver G. and Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and en-couraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established 1919, the Community foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org
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