Cosi Fan Tutti

Cosi Fan Tutti
Loveland Opera Theatre
Rialto Theater
Loveland, CO
February 22 - March 3, 2019

Cosi Fan Tutti is a well-known opera. Like many local productions, Loveland Opera Theatre looked to put their own spin on this classic.

The concept of the production was to incorporate famous works of art into the show. That seems like an odd undertaking, but it actually worked well. Each scene was set with the artwork projected in the background as a recreation formed in front of it. After the initial set up, the scene was allowed to proceed without too much focus on the painting.

The Saturday matinee performances were created especially for families. The understudies played the main roles and the presentation was narrated. Between each scene was a description of what had happened in the previous scene and what was coming up, helping the children follow along. Scene Two even allowed for the children to go onstage and be a part of the opera! Before the third scene there was a demonstration of how lighting adds to the mood of each scene. And at the end was a question and answer period.

The biggest drawback to the format what that the extra features took up so much time that the audience didn’t see a conclusion. Instead the narrator revealed how the story ended.

Because they were copying these famous works, each scene was somewhat dictated to the designer. The larger pieces like trees and fountains, were painted in the style of the artwork. The furniture was more realistic. The space was always colorful and fit the comedic tone of the opera.

The recreation of the painting allowed for fantastic costumes. Most notable were the Seurat Sunday in the Park setting for the second scene of the first act. These costumes were lovely to look at.
The third scene was brilliantly directed. While Dorabella had a rather dull aria, the rest of the characters were all carrying on silly shenanigans which kept the audience fully engaged.

The cast was talented and, since the opera was in English, were easy to understand. Usually operas geared for children do not have full chorus, so it was fun to see that in this production.
Loveland Opera Theatre has put together a comprehensive and entertaining production to introduce children to opera.  It was both education and fun, making opera accessible to those who may think of it as only for the old and stuffy. Bravissimo!