****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Forget Punxsutawney Phil. If you really need an accurate validation that it's winter -- and regardless of how many more weeks there may remain until spring -- the surest way to guarantee that we are in the grip of Jack Frost's frigid grasp is to check out the programming offered by opera companies scattered throughout the Midwest and Northeast which extend due east and west from Chicago. Chances are very high that you will see Mozart's delightfully silly "Cosi fan tutte" on the slate somewhere. The reason for this is abundantly clear. "Cosi fan tutte" is a masterwork of two very gifted artists: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music has the power to magically transport you to warmer climes and Lorenzo Da Ponte's hilarious libretto will tickle your funny bone and melt whatever frost may be accumulating in your polar vortex-hardened heart. Lyric Opera of Chicago's latest "Cosi" does that easily, with so many added bonuses that this production simply must not be missed. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS
The Company of Così fan tutte. Photo by Cory Weaver
This new-to-Chicago production of "Cosi fan tutte" features an equal mixture of performers making their Lyric debuts combined with the return of some of Lyric's favorite stars. Both soprano Jacquelyn Stucker as Fiordiligi and mezzo-soprano Cecilia Molinari as her sister Dorabella are gracing Lyric's stage for the very first time. They each possess wonderfully strong voices but it is Stucker who makes a lasting impression, which may have more to do with the fact that her character is much more fully developed than her counterpart's. Stucker has great range and, while most of her portrayal is light and frivolous, she has an emotionally charged aria in Act Two which shows just how powerful and vulnerable her conflicted Fiordiligi truly is.
Ana María Martínez as Despina, Jacquelyn Stucker as Fiordiligi, and Cecilia Molinari as Dorabella. Photo by Cory Weaver
Nicely balancing the female roles are tenor Anthony Leon as Ferrando and baritone Ian Rucker as Guglielmo. Leon, in a very much-anticipated house debut, is sensational as Ferrando. He has an absolutely gorgeous voice and what appears to be an endless supply of energy. Rucker, an alumnus of the Ryan Opera Center, appears in his sixth role at Lyric since the 2022/2023 season, but Guglielmo is his first principal role.
Both Leon and Rucker share an incredible chemistry between themselves and conjure images of some of the best comedy duos in the history of radio and film. They are physically varied and revival director Roy Rallo (under the original direction of the late Michael Cavanagh) uses that differential to great effect. Leon and Rucker give highly animated performances which never show any signs of either one's vigor ever waning.
Anthony León as Ferrando, Ian Rucker as Guglielmo, and the Company of Così fan tutte. Photo by Andrew Cioffi - Lyric Opera of Chicago
While these are two difficult roles to fully develop, at times it seems that the physical requirements handed to these two gentlemen may be more demanding than the vocal ones. This being Mozart, they must sustain that comedic intensity for the entire three-hour duration, which is just one of the many marvels to watch in this sparkling production. It is heartwarming to see Rucker finally given the chance to step into a much larger role in this current Lyric production -- and he shines. What a revelation is Anthony Leon. This young tenor has a major career ahead of him. Let's hope that Lyric brings him back very, very soon.
Rod Gilfry as Don Alfonso, Ana María Martínez as Despina, Ian Rucker as Guglielmo, and Anthony León as Ferrando. Photo by Cory Weaver
Two seasoned veterans complete the cast of this "Cosi." Soprano Ana Maria Martinez is an absolute hoot as Despina, the maid to Fiordiligi and Dorabella. Martinez has proven to be a formidable interpreter of some of the best tragic/dramatic roles in the repertoire. However, as Despina, she flexes her comedic chops to great effect. Martinez also gets to wear some of the best costumes designed by Constance Hoffman as Despina assumes several disguises. Baritone Rod Gilfry rounds out the ensemble as Don Alfonso, the smarmy proprietor of the resort where the action takes place and the person who sets the fidelity scheme in motion.
Ian Rucker as Guglielmo, Cecilia Molinari as Dorabella, Jacquelyn Stucker as Fiordiligi, and Anthony León as Ferrando. Photo by Andrew Cioffi - Lyric Opera of Chicago
Lyric's Music Director Enrique Mazzola conducts. Last season, Mazzola tackled the Mozart/Da Ponte opera "The Marriage of Figaro" at Lyric. This season it's "Cosi." Don't be surprised if next season you see Mazzola back to lead that pair's "Don Giovanni" so that he can complete the trifecta.
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"Cosi fan tutte" continues until February 15, 2026
Lyric Opera of Chicago is located as 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
Tickets: Please visit www.lyricopera.org/cosi or call 312-827-5600
Remaining performances are as follows:
Saturday, February 7 at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00 PM
Friday, February 13 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 PM
Running time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission