DVO hits all the right notes with ‘Cosi fan tutte’

By JONATHAN FOX

I have never claimed to know a lot about opera, but have always claimed to know a “little bit about a lot of things.” Knowing that there is always more to learn, I happily made my way to the Tusten Theatre in Narrowsburg, NY to catch the opening of the Delaware Valley Opera’s (DVO, dv-opera.org ) latest confection, W.A. Mozarts’ “Cosi fan tutte.”

As it turns out, I have experienced this particular opera before and therefore knew a “little bit.” What I didn’t know was far more interesting. I did not know, for example, that a 12-piece orchestra could sound so professional and emulate 60 instruments at the Philharmonic. I did not know that the Upper Delaware Valley had such a vast array of talented musicians, performers, conductors, scenic and costume design consultants on board.

What I have learned is staggering. The folks at the DVO have gone above and beyond my wildest expectations with this production and I am now passionately enthusiastic about the company, the opera and what to expect from the DVO in the future.

“Cosi” (aka “The School For Lovers”) is the perfect piece to whet one’s appetite for opera. Filled to the brim with everything “A Night at the Opera” should provide, this comic masterpiece has high drama, intrigue, deception and plenty of laughs, all set to a glorious score, impeccably sung and portrayed by an impressively talented cast.

The synopsis in the program informs the audience that the opera is set in Naples, in the late 1700s, and that Don Alfonso (bass Eric Barsness), an old philosopher and cynic, is determined to prove to his two young friends, Ferrando and Guglielmo (tenor Victor Khodadad and baritone Thomas Lehman) that their fiancées, Fiordiligi (soprano Jennifer Marshall) and Dorabella (Mezzo Jennifer Caruana) are “not to be trusted—like any other woman.”

Hilarity literally ensues as the story unfolds, with a wager in place among the men that will supposedly assure the young suitors that their tutor is correct and that their lovers will betray them with the slightest provocation. “Cosi fan tutte” translates to “Everyone Does It” and the old man sets out to prove his point, aided and abetted by the show-stopping Christine Marie Heath in the often underplayed role of Despina, the ladies maid.

Supported by additional choral performers, the weight of this production really lies entirely in the laps of these six performers, all of whom blew me away with their musical and acting prowess. The Tusten Theatre, glittering Art Deco jewel that it is, proved to be the perfect venue to produce the opera, since its intimate setting allows the audience to experience opera in a less formal, “up close and personal” way that is unique to the genre.

Conductor David Baranowski and director Sam Helf-rich should be proud. I have found, in the past, that attending the opera can be a grand musical experience, or a fine example of acting, but rarely the two in perfect harmony. “Cosi” has proven the exception to the rule—in part, I believe, because of the theatre itself. Each wink, nudge, glance askance and nuance can be seen, every note heard, and the “super-titles” on screen above the heads of the performers translates the text perfectly, so there is never any confusion as to what is transpiring (in Italian) on stage.

I may not know a lot, but I know what I like, and I loved this production. I reveled in the updated setting (there are one or two surprises that I won’t give away). I adored the acting, I was crazy about the costumes and lighting (by Melissa Schlachtmeyer and Eric Southern, respectively) and celebrated the Herculean efforts of production manager Joshua Scherr and stage manager Evan Hernandez.

To my own surprise and amazement, I have nothing but praise and admiration for this stunning production, save for the fact that not every seat was filled. This opera, in all its glory, should be experienced by everyone—and thankfully, there is still time. Performances continue through August 22, in tandem with Lee Hoiby’s upcoming “A Month In The Country” at the theatre, located at 210 Bridge Street. For more information and reservations call 845/252-7272.

The DVO, in partnership with the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance ( ArtsAllianceSite.org ) has proven that “Everyone Does It.” My advice is that “Everyone Sees It!” Run, don’t walk—you’ll thank me (and the DVO) later.