Mozart's 'Cosi Fan Tutte' Delights at Lyric Opera

The classic comic opera gets a dazzling 1930s-inspired production at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:31am

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Lyric Opera's current production of Mozart's Così fan tutte is a delightful treat, featuring winning vocal and dramatic performances, clever direction, and stunning costume and set design. The classic comic opera, set in a 1930s-era east coast country club, follows two young men who, at the behest of an older friend, pretend to go off to war and then return in disguise to test the fidelity of their fiancées.

Why it matters

Così fan tutte is a timeless work that explores themes of love, trust, and the complexities of human emotion. Lyric Opera's vibrant production brings a fresh perspective to the 236-year-old opera, blending 18th- and 20th-century references in a dizzying but dazzling mash-up that delights the senses.

The details

Director Michael Cavanagh has transposed the setting from 18th-century Italy to a 1930s-era east coast American country club, resulting in a visually stunning production with a riot of seaside stripes and silver-screen-inspired satin gowns. The cast delivers strong vocal and dramatic performances, with standout turns from baritone Rod Gilfry as the suave Don Alfonso, soprano Ana María Martínez as the wily maid Despina, and the young couples of tenor Anthony León, baritone Ian Rucker, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Molinari, and soprano Jacquelyn Stucker.

  • Così fan tutte runs through February 15, 2026 at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
  • The production premiered on February 4, 2026.

The players

Lyric Opera of Chicago

A renowned opera company that has been producing world-class opera performances in Chicago since 1954.

Michael Cavanagh

The director who developed this production of Così fan tutte for San Francisco Opera and has now brought it to Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Rod Gilfry

A baritone who plays the role of the suave Don Alfonso in Lyric Opera's production.

Ana María Martínez

A soprano and Lyric Opera favorite who brings delicious comic chops to the role of Despina, the wily maid.

Anthony León

A tenor who plays the role of Ferrando, one of the young men who pretends to go off to war.

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What they’re saying

“When the curtain goes up on this production of the 236-year-old comic opera—a collaboration between Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte—it's akin to opening a huge, heart-shaped box of ear and eye candy.”

— Deanna Isaacs, Theater Critic (Chicago Reader)

“It's a farce with a context of class inequities, revolutionary movements, and a shift from traditional customs and values to the Age of Reason, with its emphasis on science and fact.”

— Deanna Isaacs, Theater Critic (Chicago Reader)

What’s next

Lyric Opera's production of Così fan tutte will run through February 15, 2026, with additional performances scheduled for February 7, 10, and 13.

The takeaway

Lyric Opera's vibrant, 1930s-inspired production of Mozart's Così fan tutte is a delightful treat for the senses, blending stunning visuals with superb vocal and dramatic performances to bring this classic comic opera to life in a fresh and engaging way.